QuestionI have a MG Midget 1500 (same as spitfire) and my engine sputters when I step on the gas. So far, I have replaced Carb, fuel pump (to an electric), plugs, entire dist, battery, plug wires, fuel filter. What could it be?
AnswerJeff,
A few quick questions to try to pin this down:
1) is it a momentary sputter, then the engine runs fine as it picks up speed? or....
2) is it a sputter with the feeling the engine will die?
3) what do you have the idle set at?
4) when you put on the electric fuel pump, did you add a pressure regulator?
5) have you verified that the timing is correct?
6) have you had someone follow you (or watch from behind the car) when you take off from a complete stop? Exhaust color "normal"?
7) I presume you have the stock Stromberg CD150 carb on the car?
8) is it backfiring at all?
It sounds like you're just a bit off on either timing or the carb mixture setting. Verify that the dynamic timing settings are correct then it's time to check the carb mixture.
A great diagnostic tool is a Colortune tester. Basically it's a sparkplug with clear glass insulator (instead of the ceramic) that let's you observe the flame color in the cylinder.
Colortunes are available from most of the major British parts suppliers (Moss, Roadster Factory, Victoria British). Your local parts house might have them also, it doesn't hurt to ask.
Cheers,
Jim
