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So SU me! - update

To: "'MG List'" <mgs@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: So SU me! - update
From: Dan Pockrus <dpockrus@efficient.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 08:14:27 -0500
        If you recall, yesterday I related the following tale:

>       It all started when I decided to make a reasonable effort to
make it idle. So, I followed the accepted standard procedure of pulling
both carbs, > adjusting the floats, setting the jets, reinstall, top up
dashpots, etc... It still didn't idle as smooth as I would like, but
that could likely be cured with  >some further fiddling.
>       Unfortunately, I also decided to pull the rocker cover and have
a look at the rocker clearances. Found a couple on #1 and #4 that were a
little >tight, so I reset them to .015. The jam nuts didn't go up as
tight as I would have liked, but I thought they were okay.
>       I was wrong - it only took a couple of miles of driving before
they backed out far enough that the valves stopped opening. Much popping
>through the carbs (sounded like a bad exhaust leak). Managed to get
within a couple of blocks from home before it quit. Pushed the rest of
the way >(all downhill - lucky me).
        Pulled the plugs  - compression check shows 145 lbs across the
board. Pulled the rocker cover and discovered the threads had pulled out
of the jam nuts I had adjusted and let the screws run out. Bought new
jam nuts, readjusted, replaced rocker cover, reinstalled plugs and
wires, ready to fire it up.
>       Nothing. Checked for spark (ok). Pulled fuel line leading into
front carb to check pump - pump is ok. Pulled air cleaners and looked
for fuel - >throats were dry. Sprayed in some starting fluid - engine
fired, died as soon as starting fluid was gone.
>       I'm now thinking that the float valve is plugged, so I pulled
the front SU. Took off float cover - gas in float chamber. Blew through
fuel inlet - no >obstruction. Pulled and blew through jet - no
obstruction. Rechecked float clearance - all is well. Replaced jet,
reinstalled float cover, and called it a >night. Will perform same check
on other SU tonight.

>       However, I don't expect to find anything wrong with the other
SU. I also have a nasty feeling that I've missed something that's really
causing >this. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should try
next?

>       For the record, the car was de-smogged by a DPO, so there's no
air pump or gulp valve. It still has the steel tube between the two
carbs       >(don't know what it's for) and the vents to the charcoal
canister still in place.


        Checked the other SU last night - nothing was plugged or
appeared unusual in any way. Tried to start it up and got the same
result - nothing. Roused Loyal Son from my easy chair, sprayed starting
fluid in the SU's and had Loyal Son crank it. We got it to start - but
it doesn't sound right and dies anywhere below 2500 rpm.
        Is this the type of behavior one might see if the timing chain
takes a leap?


Dan Pockrus
'74 CBB

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