Derek:
I can't tell you how happy I am that you encourage me to try the injector/jam
jar check on my PI. I checked all the injectors just as you suggested, after
re-reading your note and checking the shop manual, which was indentical. As
things generally work out, I first checked all the easy injectors (#1,2, 6,
5). They all looked identical and sprayed a fine fuel mist into my jar. My
son was standing by with the fire extinguisher. Then I disconnected the
black plastic thing that connects the air filter/plenum and the valve cover
and checked injector #4. It looked identical and made a nice mist. Then I
tried #3, and noticed immediately that the entire injector looked different.
Instead of having a needle-shaped point at the end and a part # stamped on it
of Lucas 17 77 73 125 E, it had a blunt end and a part # of Lucas 39 71 73125
A. More to the point, it was barely dripping fuel. I inverted it, but it
never did more than drip. So I am pretty sure that I have found the problem.
Not surprisingly, the car ran extremely roughly when I removed all the other
injectors (on 4 cylinders), but only the usual roughness when I removed #3 (5
cylinders).
There are 2 points here: First, I was able to make a diagnosis on my own
(with your help, of course), without having to get the car to the shop.
Second, I proved to myself that I can accomplish some things a little bit
more intimidating than just changing the oil or bleeding the brakes. It is a
very good feeling.
You asked me the story of my PI. My car is commission # CP 5179 LP. It is a
1970 left-hand-drive model. It was exported to Germany originally and went
though a few owners there. It has Km/hr markings on the speedo, indicating a
continental European destination. It had a frame-off restoration in 1992 in
Germany. Mechanically, the restoration was superb. They did a repaint from
Mimosa Yellow to Pimento Red, which was well-done but not of concours
quality. The car was brought to the US by a US Air Force officer in 1996.
He had the transmission rebuilt in Virginia, and tells me that the PI system
was rebuilt not long ago (but I really don't know the details of this, I
think it was before he bought it in 1996). He put it up for sale on Ebay,
and I bought it from him in May, 2002. I drove it home 750 miles from
Alabama to South Florida without any problems. The rough running came later.
Anyway, I will have to find a new injector matching the others. It looks
very straightforward to install, and I will bleed it as you suggested. Maybe
I will have my problem licked!
Thanks again for your suggestions. Also, since I am copying this note to the
list, thanks to all who have helped with all my neophyte questions!
Michael Samuels
Miami Beach, FL
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