What a great day! I finally have a properly tuned car! I had done all I
could to make it run right, but only had so-so results. Then I was told of
British Classic Cars in Chantilly VA and so I took it there and asked him to
adjust the timing, carbs, etc. Picked it up this afternoon (yep, he came in
on a Sunday - I had to wait on him to finish tweaking a REALLY sharp looking
Mini!) Man oh man! I could tell a big difference as soon as I started it. It
really books now! I had a grin on my face like I don't think I've had since
I bought one of the first Plymouth Lasers right before I graduated college
in 1989 (still miss that car too). But what a blast! Now I'm much more
psyched to get the interior fixed up and really start enjoying it like it's
meant to be enjoyed. They also replaced the plugs, which was a little
surprising since I had new NGKs in it. They were supposed to be the right
ones for a Midget, but maybe I had the wrong ones.
Only concern is he noted that there was either some valve noise or piston
slap. Hmmmm. I had noticed that as well. Something to keep an eye (or an
ear) on.
BTW, the shop owner's wife has a little tea room and shop (The British
Pantry) adjoining the garage. Lots of interesting looking foods either from
England, Scotland, etc. or at least in that style. Some other knick-knacks
too - some videos (inc. The Italian Job), flags, books. And oh yeah, beer -
including Old Speckled Hen. I haven't been a drinker since college, but I
may pick up some and try it. Looks interesting.
Eddie
1971 Midget (Running fine at last!)
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/// (If they are dupes, this trailer may also catch them.)
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