the worlds most annoying car ..

[xpress]

trying to get her to the garage for welding.

she starts runs for a bit then conks out.

fuel pump is ticking. i don't know what's wrong, maybe the timing is off. can't be that far off because it runs when it feels like it.

going to go back outside and try her again when the carb isn't flooded.

grrrr.

[mike.perry]

Leave the timing alone, More likely to be electrics, check for any loose connections, faulty coil or condenser, check points gap.

[chickenjohn]

check the little low tension wire in the distributor, the one that goes between the points and the spade connector on the outside of the distributor. also check the connectors to the coil.

[bmcecosse]

You are putting the choke back in when it starts ?

[xpress]

running rich; lots of white smoke:

running rich, white smoke, not clearing which would point to not enough quality spark would it not? is the condenser a binary type component, either it works or it doesn't or is there range in it?

however; lots of white smoke, i would have expected it to clear, i know she's been standing for a good while but it normally clears up quick enough.

smelling a little rich, where's the mixture screw located? i have a good post on tuning - engine - initial setup, i was going to get the strobe out but i might follow this method instead, seems to make sense and better to be able to set it with "feel".
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don't touch the timing:

bmc, i didn't really think i ought to have touched the timing, she seems to run ok when she wants to with no misfires pops or bangs.
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pulling plugs:

i am going to pull the plugs in a bit, check the gap and the colour. she's not been out for long enough a run to really judge the colour though.
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bmc - pulling choke back in?

just been outside again, i am putting the choke back in as soon as practically possible then fettling her gently with the gas and the choke.
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starting her up with long hold of the key and gas

the mechanic said start her up with a long hold on the key and foot down on the floor and hold it there. seems to start up first time with this method now.
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new distributor cap replacement in london/gsf?

i am going to treat her to a new distributor cap too, do gsf do them or anyone local in london?

cheers to all for your help.

[bmcecosse]

So - it does start and run ? You probably just flooded it with starting and stopping - run it at decent revs until it gets up to working temperature - but do open the garage doors............

[xpress]

started her today, took the choke off straightaway and bedded my foot in slowly and held it gently until she warmed up.

started bang on first time too!

she's behaving a lot better today.

going to change the front tie rod bushes now. getting there! thank you all. if anyone wants to swing by, you're welcome.