I always think it's a good idea to keep the list updated after getting
advice - besides, I'm still stuck! :) Here's the latest skinny.
I spifffed up some spare 404 carbs (1 1/4" SUs) with new jets, needles,
float bowl valves and gaskets and =a lot= of carb cleaner. Pistons drop
nicely with a thunk.
Put the carbs on and started her up. Runs smoother, but there is still a
rising and falling of rpms - probably about 800-1000 rpm spread from
highest to lowest, but they aren't almost dieing on the bottom end - at
least with the choke out. I haven't done any tuning as I didn't get this
far until kind of late last night and there's been no time tonight.
My two concerns are:
1) obviously the continuing rise and fall, but could this maybe just be
cured on tuning?
2) when I stopped the car after running for 5 minutes or so, I lifted the
two pistons and found swirling smoke in the front carb - no seeming probs
on the rear one.
What could be causing this smoke? Same smokey front carb existed before
switching the original carbs out.
BTW, I never did find that piece of solder from the first bad poppet valve
solder job, but I did take the opportunity to adjust the valve clearances
while I had the cover off looking. I did it "cold" at .012 and found they
were all a little loose, but not terribly so.
Also, this last running I did without filling the carb dampers with oil.
Will this make any real difference at idle?
I'm starting to worry that some major rebuild may be in order. Did I ever
mention that before I started doing all this work I found that the inside
of the engine compartment on the carb side was quite oily? I'm wondering
if there is a cracked block blowing out oil or a blown head gasket. I did
replace the head gasket just a few months back though.
Well, there's the update. Any advice is appreciated. :)
Thanks,
Philip
1974 Damask Red Midget - Arioch, Lord of Chaos
1960 BRG Bugeye Sprite - First up for restoration
1973 Damask Red Midget - Project car for sale
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