Yesterday I checked my Locost over in preparation for visiting Donington today (Sunday).
Got the old xflow to fire, then it coughed and died. Kept trying, occasionally got it to fire, but it always died.

Really fed up. Looked like no Donington trip this year. After mulling it over, went back to the lock-up, taking the trusty wire brush. Extracted each plug in turn, giving them a good clean up. Just to satisfy myself, I thought I'd give this old motor one more try. Started first turn of the key!! Why couldn't this have happened yesterday? Could've got to Donny, and burnt off all the cobwebs on the way.

I have got to get the Zetec sorted for next year.

God's own engine, should run like clockwork given... ahem, a little regular maintenance
Let me know when you pull it out I love 'em!
Atb
Mike

As Mike says, brilliant engines. And full of character.

I recently downgraded from an Xflow to a Fuel injected Blacktop Zetec. Big mistake. Yes it has more power but has about as much character as a dog turd. give me back my R1 carb'd Xflow any day Wish I'd never sold it.

Mine misfired under load as soon as I turned onto the M1 from the A14 on the way to Donnington on Friday , I left early today just in case and it ran like Clockwork

quote:

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Originally posted by Alfa145
As Mike says, brilliant engines. And full of character.

I recently downgraded from an Xflow to a Fuel injected Blacktop Zetec. Big mistake. Yes it has more power but has about as much character as a dog turd. give me back my R1 carb'd Xflow any day Wish I'd never sold it.

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Xflos are very easy to flood on either Ford carb or a Weber if it won't fire after the second attempt then:
(1) If you have working choke put in eg. fully off.
(2) Don't pump throttle.
(3) Put throttle to floor and hold it there.
(4) With the throttle to the floor turn it over on the starter until it starts to fire.
(5) Keep the throttle down between attempts.

[Edited on 31/8/14 by britishtrident]

Some very interesting observations amongst these replies. Thank you all. Have some irksome reservations about that expression - "character" - when referring to the Xflow. It could mean there'll always be some kind of annoying problem.

British trident - Appreciate your advice, which I shall try to remember next time.

Removed my cross flow from my striker and fitted A toyota 4age did my first trackday with this engine on Friday what a difference it was brilliant and I won't look back now.