Just bought a twincam - HELP!!

[twincammoggie]

I have just bought a 4 door with full Fiat twin cam running gear (including Fiat alloy wheels), it's an automatic and needs some TLC!
Seemed fine on the test drive, I filled it up to get it home from Surrey to the Midlands...
...after about 5 miles on the motorway the engine died, thendid it again, on the M25!
Then the RAC took it home on the back of a truck!
Now, when I drive more than 1/2 a mile - it dies, but within minutes seems OK, then the same again.
In a word "Help!"
All ideas welcomed?

Also - anyone any clue how I make the speedo work?

Being VERY new to this - any help would be MUCH appreciated.

If you have any experience of such a car...
...please get in touch

Thanks

PS - If this car sounds like you know it, get in touch?
PPS - Have I made a BIG mistake??? (Don't answer that!)

[bmcecosse]

It's a mistake if you don't know anything about cars!! But it sounds very much like petrol starvation - so you need to find the pump (ask previous owner) - and test if it can pump reliably by taking a feed pipe off and pumping a gallon into a can. Also check the tank filler cap in case it's not venting the tank - and so causing a vacuum. But anyway - refer the whole matter back to the seller - sounds like the car is 'not fit for purpose' - it doesn't GO for goodness sake (is that better Mr MOD?) !! Just a thought - you didn't by any chance put diesel in it when you filled up ?????

[plastic_orange]

Doesn't sound a major problem. In addition to bmc's advice, check the anti run on valve (an electrical solenoid to stop engine running on when switched off) on carb is working properly - if not engine will suddenly die. I had this problem on an Ebay purchase - valve was wired in to the electric fan which the guy said he left on all the time. When I switched it off (on motorway on way home) engine died, but was ok with fan on - now rewired to ignition circuit.
I would advise getting the engine properly set up, then you know exactly where you are with it.

Regarding the speedo - is the cable connected? or is the cable broken?
Pete

[Peetee]

What air is being supplied to the filter? if it is directly from outside the car with no warm air supply then the carb may be freezing.

[plastic_orange]

They don't usually have any ducting to outside, so wouldn't think it's a freezing problem.
However, the carb can give running problems - typical Fiat, hence my suggestion for getting it all properly set up.

Pete

[dp]

Well done on getting the Minor. You haven't made a big mistake as long as you are prepared to learn about your car in which case it might be a bit stressful to begin with but will get better.

Is this car going to be your daily driver?

Whereabouts are you based?

[aussiemike]

definately not a mistake. yes get in touch withthe seller as they might be able to help out with how the modifications were undertaken. It sounds like a fuel thing maybe?? Vapour lock? Fuel pipe running too close to something very hot? Or as orange said something relatively simple but wrong with the wiring. Say, something random like when the engine reaches a certain temp a switch is activated to control a fan etc but the fuel pump is also wired into same switch????
Dont freak out. Ask questions and there is enough knowledge on here to help out or to recomend good help.
all the best and please keep us up to speed on progress.
cheers, michael.

[bmcecosse]

It was ok on test run - and then it all started happening after 'filling up'. And then it was after 5 miles - and now it's after 1/2 mile. So I think it all points to the 'filling up' !