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Lugging off the start

dndkk

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When I first start out the engine "sometimes" lugs then catches on and run well. Tonight it ran well for about 20 minutes then started lugging again in first and second..Once it gets the gas it seems to run well. It feels like a lack of gas problem and my question is...is it possible the gas line is too close to the engine and when it gets really hot, the heat creates a lock in the flow? .....
 
Are you asking about the dreaded vapor lock? Some say it is a myth. Others say it really happens.
Has this problem existed for a long time or has it just recently started?
Does it happen more on hotter days?
 
Might be some kind of vapor problem, especially if it happens when it's hot. My Sprite had a lot of trouble with this; the description of how I fixed it is here. Even now, I occasionally get a little sputtering on hot days, but nothing like it was.
 
Have you checked the oil in the dashpots ?
 
As Randall stated, oil in the dashpots first.

Next, what is the base timing set at? Is your retard/advance working properly?
 
How much oil should be in the dashpots? I can see there is oil however it certainly is not up to the top of the screw holes....I thought about the timing as it was working great until I went on a 300 mile trip.. I don't have a timing light so I guess that may be my next purchase...
Thanks as always...
 
dndkk said:
How much oil should be in the dashpots?
The minimum is enough that you can feel the resistance when you reinsert the plunger.
 
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