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Been away for a while - Is it broke?
RobBrown - 26/8/16 at 06:54 PM

Hi All
I've been away from the garage for at least 2 years, but managed to summon up some motivation to spend a couple of dedicated time in the garage.

First day was just tidying and catching up on where it was left. Checking oil levels and coolant etc. Fitted new Cam cover (old one had holes in)

So the last thing I had done was get the Megajolt fitted and the R1 carbs running (not tuned).

Today I managed to get the Pinto battery charged up and idling. There was a bit of a misfire on #1; running too rich so turned the idle screw in. No misfire.

I have an LC-1 which I hooked up to a new PC and could see that the idle was at 14.1 AFR, so not too bad.

Not too bad yet...

So thought I'd double check WOT as I still wasn't convinced everything was as it should be, as the engine still runs a little rough/industrial!

I didn't go as far as WOT as a wimped out, but there was a bit of a noise and now the crankcase breather if breathing a lot heavier than before. I had previously removed the non-return valve (planning on connecting a catch tank).

I suppose my question is two fold
1 - Have I broken anything - what's normal for crankcase breathing - I'll post a Youtube vid in a bit.
2 - What do I do next (need to get R1 and MJ sorted properly) - How?

I'm in a place where I need to get this running, otherwise I'm in danger of just selling it ebay and giving up

Final Q. Is there an easy off the shelf engine fix, without me needing to spend too much time 'adjusting'??

Thanks
Rob

gremlin1234 - 26/8/16 at 07:13 PM

at least it runs,
I would ensure the fuel is nice and fresh, maybe change oil, then run it to 'blow out the cobwebs'

RobBrown - 26/8/16 at 07:40 PM

What do you do with old fuel?

The oil was fresh 2 years ago and the car hasn't moved. Can oil age like petrol?

mcerd1 - 26/8/16 at 08:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by RobBrown
What do you do with old fuel?


use it as degreaser

gremlin1234 - 26/8/16 at 08:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by RobBrown
What do you do with old fuel?


use it as degreaser
that works well, else burn it in a tin top, up to about 20%

RobBrown - 26/8/16 at 08:45 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by RobBrown
What do you do with old fuel?


use it as degreaser
that works well, else burn it in a tin top, up to about 20%


Both so obvious when you stop and think about it - Thanks

[Edited on 26/8/16 by RobBrown]

Irony - 27/8/16 at 07:26 AM

Petrol ages really fast. If I used petrol more than 3 months old in my chain saw it won't start.

RobBrown - 27/8/16 at 03:25 PM

new Petrol purchased.

Went back to first principles

1 - Rechecked cam timing

2 - Checked Carb balance - were way off - so re-balanced them accordingly.

Now runs smoothly until it gets up to temperature and now has an annoying knocking. Thought it was valve clearances but have re checked and adjusted them accordingly but still just as loud.

I've uploaded a vid for some advice/second opinion please.

YouTube video Link

Sounds like a coin being banged repeatedly on a table!!

Rob

[Edited on 27/8/16 by RobBrown]

[Edited on 27/8/16 by RobBrown]

BenB - 27/8/16 at 03:26 PM

I just never fill my tank up more than about 50% on the Locost unless I'm doing a long trip. After winter I just brim it and ride off into the distance- Jerry can to the petrol station jobby...