Running problem

[jfs52e]

I bought Humpty, a '56 803cc last year, but didn't get the chance to run her much at all. Just taken her out for the first time this year. She started absolutley fine, but after travelling 15 or 20 minutes she started pulling back in top gear when under accelleration. Seemed ok when i changed down. Tick over etc seems fine and the usual things checked before she was started (plugs, leads,etc). Not very technical yet, so looking for pointers for the problem. Could it be condender or coil trouble? the fuel pump is only about a couple of years old and is working fine.

Thanks

[MarkyB]

I'd start by checking the points gap, they close up quite fast due to the poor quality of the heel plastic.

[bmcecosse]

It's NEVER the coil....... Second vote for points gap......

[katy]

Did you put fresh fuel in? Or still running on last years?

[jfs52e]

Still last years, but it goes fine apart from under load in fourth. I thought fuel only ent off after about a year or 2????

[bmcecosse]

If it's only under load in 4th - could be restricted fuel flow from the petrol pump. Let it pump a couple of pints into a container and time it!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

After it is fully warmed up and you are running along is there a kangarooing effect and general lack of power?

[jfs52e]

Nope, only when I accelerate (well try to go faster) in 4th. Obviously also when I try to go up a hill. As I said if I change down I'm fine but there's only so much speed you can do in 3rd in an 803cc (and it's not much!!)

[bmcecosse]

All sounds perfectly normal for an 803.....

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

If you don't have the symptoms I describe which afflict the 803 then it seems normal to me, too. It is only an Eight, you know.

Should run along happily in top on the flat and slight inclines.

[bmcecosse]

Unless the final drive has been changed..........

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Indeed! Could be a Riley...

[bmcecosse]

Or an extremely rare (so rare I have never heard of it...) 3.55 ratio ...........

[David53]

He is saying it is losing power and dropping back under acceleration in 4th. That's not normal for an 803. Mine pulls like a train up long hills in top gear. It does sound ignition related, check points gap, condenser, plugs, HT leads etc.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Also the timing as it could be way back without giving any signs - it is a very low compression engine. Advance it and see what happens.

[jfs52e]

Thanks all, lots to consider, check and possibly replace. Doubt the situation is normal, even in 1956 I doubt going up a small incline at 15 mph was normal