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I think it's bad..... Up-date

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mytvtmini

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I think it's bad..... Update

First I want to thank everyone for their help and advice yesterday. Really appreciate it.

I went home and took out Number 1 plug (where the oil was seen pooled). Plug was clean, looked very good. So ya'll were definitely right about the oil, still not sure where it's coming from, but I'll track it down.

So I went to plug number 2, once again, looks very good.

On to number 3....... First, the wire boot is split, BIG TIME. I remove the plug and it is BAD. The ground electrode is completely gone and the center electrode is just about gone as well. This sucker got some MAJOR juice, somehow.

Went to number 4. Once again, boot is split. I remove the plug, not as bad as number 3, but the ground electrode is melted onto the center electrode.

So now I know why she was running so badly, what I don't know is why this happened. She has been converted to an electronic ignition, was done back in December. I looked at the distributer and the inside of the cap looks good as does the rotor and the rest of the works.

I noticed that the number 3 wire was laying against an empty connector on the coil, but the wire isn't melted or burnt in any way.

Also, she's got dual SU's. Since it's only happening on 3&4, could a lean carb do this much damage? Just thinking out-loud.

Any ideas???

Thanks
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

Wow, sounds like a lighting strike to me, LOL

Replace what is needed and keep an eye on it and enjoy driveing.
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

Waterford is just 10 minutes northeast of Purcellville. I use to live in Purcellville, moved about 3 years ago.
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

My wife is from Falls Church; so there! (Falls Church High, class of 69.)

On the less interesting subject of the problem--pretty unlikely that any conceivable ignition problem would burn away the ground electrode. Given that the problems are in #3 and #4 cylinders, that kinda points to the rear carb, maybe too lean? I've never seen anything quite that dramatic, so I don't know if that makes sense.
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

To give rise to that much of an electrode burnout, you would think there would have been some MAJOR sputtering/hesitation when driving; especially under load. HOpefully with some new plugs and wires, that'll get you back on the road.

- Drew
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

Rear carb is HIGHLY suspect, too lean for sure. As Donn says, a compression test, throttle blades held open. If that proves to be good (anything over 100 lbs.) drop the rear jet a few flats, wind in new plugs and replace the wires, fire it up and check around the carb and manifold for intake leaks. About anything in a spray bottle will work: water in a squirt bottle to WD-40. Idle will change noticeably when/if the spray finds the leak.
 
Re: I think it's bad..... Update

Just a follow up.....

Did a compression test and things didn't look bad. 1 & 2 have about 10% more compression than 3 & 4, but all have pretty good compression. (RELIEF!!)

Installed new plugs and wires. Topped up Dashpots (which were low and empty).

She started right up and runs like a champ.

Not sure what caused the problem, unless the empty daspot allowed a lot of air into the mix and leaned it out. I'm going to have my local SU guru check the carbs as well.

Thanks to everyone for the help.
 
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