TR2/3/3A TR3A 1960 Gas on three out of four plugs ?

[Tinkerman]

I started my engine yesterday after about a 2 or 3 month layover. It started well and ran well. Today I pulled the plugs and all but the #2 plug were wet with gas. What are the typicall reasons for the plugs being gas soaked? This is a brand new re-built engine with re-built and re-shafted carbs. I'm very happy that it started well and ran well, BUT I feel that the gas on the plugs is not good.

Your thoughts and ideas greatly appreciated.

Tinkerman

 

[CJD]

That would be normal if the choke was on and the engine never reached operating temperature.

 

[sp53]

Yes TR3 chokes need to be just right. Try and make sure you do not run it rich especially over the break in period. I always double check and make sure the jet returns until I feel comfortable it is returning on its own.

 

[Tinkerman]

"I always double check and make sure the jet returns until I feel comfortable it is returning on its own. " OK makes sense, how do I do that?

Thanks, Dick

 

[Member 10617]

One thing to do is to check the jets after pushing the choke off to see if they are all the way up. If not, sometimes it is because the return springs are not strong enough, either because they are old or just too weak. I have found that springs from the different major suppliers all have markedly different tensions.

Also, sometimes you need to work the jets up and down a bit if the carbs have been rebuilt, just in case the cork gaskets are too stiff. Also, if the corks were not left in an oil bath for about 24 hours before installing them, they could be too stiff and aare keeping the jet from returning fully up.

When your engine was rebuilt, were the carbs rebuilt at the same time?

Quite often when these carbs are rebuilt, the person working on them fails to remove the old cork seal at the very top of the jet assembly (#92 in the illustration on p. 24 of the Moss Catalog). They cram another seal up there thinking that it is clear, and the added thickness keeps the jet from fully rising to the top. This is probably not your problem, but it is worth considering if the problem is with the jet not returning fully.

Just a thought...

 

[sp53]

Just take your finger and push the center of the adjustingnut on the bottom of the carb and it should side right up.

 

[Tinkerman]

Yep, jets are free and working as advertised. Tomorrow I am going to start it and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. After it cools down I will pull the plugs and see what I have.
Will let ya'll know how that comes out.

Cheers, Dick