QuestionQUESTION: Hi...I have a couple questions.
I adjusted the ignition timing yesterday which was at 12 degrees and the sticker on the hood said 2 degrees ATDC as opposed to the Haynes manual which stated 10 degrees BTDC. It seemed to help although I can't get my idle to be at 1300rpm. I have tried adjusting the idle screw but after I get it to 1300 and give it some gas, it either goes up to 2000 or all the way down to puttering at 300-400 before it dies. I tried running sea foam through to clean out any gunk in the carb, and although it is running better, I still can't get it to commit to idling at 1300. Any ideas?
Also, any advice on whether I should try to rebuild the carb myself with a rebuild kit from Victoria British or should I take it somewhere? Your help is greatly appreciated!
I may have some followups.
ANSWER: Hi Ethan,
The sticker always over rides the manual as far as tuning specs. Unless someone has altered the car in any way. If some one in the car's life has altered anything the best you can do with timing is to get it up to operating temp and with the fuel you intend to use in it. Advance the timing until you get a engine "Pinging" under hard acceleration and back the timing off (retard) by about 5 deg. and try it again. If at any time you get the pinging again retard the timing by another 3 or 4 deg. until it does not ping.
You have not told me what kind of Triumph you have but neither the early SU nor the Stromberg are complicated to rebuild so it is something most DIY people can do. If you have any problem I will be glad to walk you through it.
1300 is a little too fast for an idle. The throttle linkage should be disconnected from the carb / carbs to set the idle. Then you will be able to tell if it is the linkage or the carb causing the different idle speeds.
If you decide to build the carb / carbs let me know and I will walk you through it.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I have a 1978 Spitfire 1500 with a Stromberg carb. I adjusted the idle yesterday to around 7-800rpm. I ordered the Carb rebuild kit so I should get it tomorrow.
since I adjusted everything I am having trouble getting fuel into the engine. When I start it it takes a little time for it to begin running and it takes some pressing on the gas pedal. Is that still the carb? Sorry it is kind of confusing.
AnswerWhen you get the kit, let me know and I will walk you through building the carb, It's not hard.
In the time waiting for the kit, you should set the timing to the specs on the sticker under the hood for starters.
Check the valve clearances then do a compression test and let me know the readings. (be sure you let the engine spin over 4 or 5 revs and be sure you hold the throttle open during the tests of each cylinder. This is important so don't skip anything.
Howard
