Loss of Power

[jedgarrett]

A neighbour who is very handy on the subject of cars (having restored many,drives a nice Triumph Herald) retuned our ,Moggie which drove very well for a couple of weeks untill my son reported a loss of power.I had a look and noticed that the car was blowing from the joint between the exhaust and manifold,this I fixed after quite a struggle,paste,copper wire etc etc!!The car sounded rough and I was only able to keep it running by altering the Idle and messing with the knut under the carburetter(for the needle I think)all seemed well but my son still reports loss/lack of power.
Any suggestions on what to do next?

[simmitc]

Check the compression on all 4 cylinders. Clean and set plugs, make sure that top terminal is screwed on tight. Check that all four plugs spark OK. Examine distributor cap and replace if signs of tracking. Check air filter is clean. Does it have a pipe from the crankcase breather to the side of the carb - if yes, check for leaks and replace. Check manifold nuts are tight (to block and carb). Are the brakes binding? Clean and set the points and timing. Check and set tappet clearances. Basically, a full service!

[bmcecosse]

Take it back to your neighbour.......

[mike.perry]

The manifold/exhaust flange should not need wire, paste etc.
Make sure that the clamp is in good condition and the exhaust pipe flange is not damaged. Support the front pipe on a jack then wind it up until the exhaust and manifold are perfectly fitted. Fit and tighten the clamp

[jedgarrett]

Ha,neighbours son not often about.Most of the list has been checked but a few things left to do,many thanks.

[jedgarrett]

Had chance for a look at the items mentioned,points,plugs etc are ok but i have a compression issue with 2 & 4 cylinder so a cylinder head job i think?

[bmcecosse]

2 and 4 are not connected.....so more likely to be valve problems -but first check the valve gap settings........

[jedgarrett]

Many thanks will check them soonest

[jedgarrett]

Well car now back on the road and one happy son,decided to take cylinder head off and had nice surprise! But all is well that ends well Thanks to all for advice.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Something very odd been going on there...... Was it torqued down properly? And retightened after the first heat cycle??

[jedgarrett]

Possibly left the retorque a bit late but did notice that there was a piece of the gasket missing between the two middle pistons,all seems well now and retorque for this set up will be done when i get up.Just finnished a night shift

[Tamsin]

My, that is a bit of a mess...

Oh well, easily sorted