Re: About my Series 2 here in Texas. (fwd)

Christopher A. Stephenson (step105(at)accessatlanta.com)
Thu, 12 Mar 1998 12:18:41 -0500

Sounds to me like either an ignition problem or a burnt valve. Check your point gap first. Make sure that the gap hasn't closed over time due to wear. Then check that the plug wires are ok. There are two things to watch for with plug wires. Old ones can leak spark out of the wire sheathing. This is more noticeable at night in total darkness. You can see the spark from the wires arcing on each other, or shoring on any close metal object. The other thing is to make sure you are actually getting consistent spark from the wires. I had this happen and to me recently and only found the problem when I connected a timing light to each wire. The light only flashed intermittently on one wire. Finally, perform a compression check on the cylinders - especially the two fed by the carburetor that is experiencing the backfire. You may have a burnt valve. This will definitely cause a backfire. I have had experience with all these so if you what further explanation, please write.

Chris Stephenson Alpine III Alpine III GT Alpine V V6 Jag 420G

T.J. Higgins wrote:

> Darius Randeria writes:
> >
> > I am an Alpine owner in Texas, not a native but rather a transplant from
> > London.
> > I have bought and restored a Series 2 and wanted to ask a few questions to
> > those of you out in cyberworld, or whatever it's called.
> > My car was running well, until it stalled one day after an extended idle (
> > went inside for tea and forgot that I left it running). Anyway, after a few
> > more stalls and general running difficulties, I took the fuel pump apart
> > and also changed everything in the ignition system, which led me to the
> > irrevocable decision to rebuild those beloved of all carburettors, the
> > Zenith 36 WIPs. I rebuilt them, then rebuilt them again, then again, and I
> > could not get the car to idle smoothly and I also developed a terrible
> > backfire through the carbs. I checked ignition timing and it was OK.
> > It seems that the rear carb was leaking petrol out of the main jet and this
> > was collecting on the butterfly, then when the butterfly was opened
> > quickly.....POP!
> >
> > My carbs are now on their way to Carburettor Exchange in the U.K and will
> > be as good as new before long. Has anyone else had problems. I thought
> > about going with a WEBER and a series 5 intake, but decided t o keep it
> > original.
> >
> > By the way, just to make all the Alpine purists throw up, I run my Alpine
> > on Mustang wheels and it cruises beautifully at 90MPH. Of course I dont
> > have OD, so it doesn't cruise beatifully for very long.
> >
> > Also, I need a soft top or a hard top, and would prefer not to have to go
> > retail up North. Any ideas? I found a series 5 H-top in a junk yard, but it
> > did not fit??!!. Is it narrower?
> >
> > Hope to hear from some people, please forward my address and telephone
> > which is, (281) 359-2635. If anyone feels bored, call me to chat.
> >
> >
> > Darius P. Randeria BPharm ; R.Ph
> > STERIS Corporation
> > Houston, Tx 77339
> > dranderi(at)ix.netcom.com
> > ********************************************