Hesitation or Misfire

[David W.]

I've searched the postings for hesitation, and they all seem to involve "hesitation on acceleration". Definitely not the problem.
I'm running along at 55 mph or so, smooth as silk, when there is a momentary miss or hesitation. It lasts a tenth of a second or so it seems, and occurs randomly about once or twice a minute.
I think it has to be electrical, and in the distributor. Nothing obvious with a visual inspection. Would a condenser give that symptom?
It's a 59 with 948 engine and DM2P distributor.
Thanks a bunch
David

[mike.perry]

Try running the engine in the dark and watch for stray sparks.
Check all terminal connections are tight, plug leads etc.
Try a new condensor.
Still not found the problem? Kick the hub caps.

[bmcecosse]

Sounds like loose/bad connections.... Is the points gap correct? But as above - check in the dark will show up any stray HT paths.

[David W.]

I'll check in the dark soon, I'm 6 hours behind you.
I'll wait until daylight to check condenser and gap.
Any magic words to use when kicking the hubcaps?
Thanks

[David W.]

Looks like the points may be burning. That points to condenser, doesn't it?[frame][/frame]

[David W.]

OK, in the dark.
Cap off and out of the way, ignition on, cranking engine.
Sparking at the points. Usually tiny dot of spark with occasional flares.
NO sparking anywhere outside the distributor with the engine running. None at the HT leads or plugs.
David

[bmcecosse]

Check the coil connections and the wire from coil to dizzy. Points do look a little secondhand - so perhaps a good clean up and a new condenser. I would keep the points if possible - they have the good/long lasting tufnol 'heel' !

[mike.perry]

[quote=.
Any magic words to use when kicking the hubcaps?
Thanks[/quote]
Plenty come to mind but this is a family show

[lambrettalad]

"oooooo that hurt "

[David W.]

OK,
Today I cleanup and reset the points.
I hope I can find a condenser that fits.
Thanks Much
David

[katy]

If you're in a bind for a condensor you can always fit one on the outside of the distributor.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be to weak a mixture - I think bmcecosse suggested that. So next time it happens try pulling the choke out gradually and see if it makes a difference.

And there is plenty of life left in the points - fine nail file to remove the pitting (most but not all) and the cam is in dire need of a smear of grease!! Whilst you're at it oil the bob weights.

[David W.]

Things are smooth now. I put in new points and condenser. The points looked like a moon crater with a mountain in the middle.
Plugs looked good when I had them out, a nice coffee brown.
Thanks for all the help.

[bmcecosse]

Plugs sound a bit rich - is that after a good run?

[David W.]

Fully warmed up, but not a good hard run. I'll tweak the mixture one flat at a time.

[David W.]

Perhaps you take your coffee darker than I do. I think these look pretty good.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

These don't look too bad - although I prefer a light beige colour for best economy. Cafe noir pour moi svp......