Mixture

[mobylette]

I'm still trying to get the mixture right. I only do short journeys, and recently after having to move the car in and out of the garage on choke, it fouled a plug. It did clear after a short run, but on checking the plugs they were very sooty. The engine (recently rebuilt) is running an HS4 carb on an alloy inlet manifold, hot spot removed, so does take longer to warm hence longer on choke. I had NGK BP6ES fitted, so I decided to try the hotter BP5ES. I have been for a 5 mile run, and the nose of the plug looks a good colour to me, what do you think? Still a bit sooty around the rim. The engine seemed to warm up faster/choke in earlier but I might be imagining that.

[svenedin]

Plug looks ok to me. What does “hot spot removed” mean? Short journeys in colder weather are never ideal with these engines. What thermostat do you have fitted and is it working properly? If it’s stuck partially open it will take ages for the engine to heat up. Also check plug gaps and the overall condition of the ignition system.


Stephen

[mobylette]

Thanks. The original inlet manifold is cast connected to the exhaust manifold. This is cut off to fit the alloy one, so no heat transfer from the exhaust. Everything else is in good order, thermostat working correctly.

[myoldjalopy]

Plug looks OK. There is typically some soot around the rim. It would be a good idea to take it for occasional longer drives to give the system a good blow out.

[mobylette]

Agreed, a good thrashing would do it good

[svenedin]

As you know Croydon, when I was a child, every Sunday morning my father would take his elderly Mercedes for a run for the exact reason of properly heating up the engine and burning off the carbon. The circuit was down Gravel Hill, the "mad-mile" and back around to go back up Gravel Hill then on to the (at the time) brand new dual carriageway to finish at the Lombard Roundabout past Mitcham Barracks. My official duty was to look out for police cars as he liked to drive rather fast. He also liked a run out on Farleigh Road to end at Tatsfield where there was a pub he liked, The Ship. To this day, I road test my Morris on Gravel Hill when I have adjusted the timing and mixture and I like the drive out to Westerham over the top at Botley.

Why don't you come to the classic car meets at the Bletchingley Arms (Four Counties Classic)? We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month 0830-1145 and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at The Star, Malden Rushett. These meets are for pre-1990 classics, all year, all weathers. A nice drive out. It was a pain when Godstone High Street was closed for months due to the sinkhole but that is all long since fixed.

Stephen

[mobylette]

Yes, nice roads, I like to take a blast down Featherbed Lane for a pint at the White Bear

I have sent you a PM.

[les]

My uncle mostly used his Minor to visit the pub, when the drink driving laws came into force in ‘67, he made a tough decision——— he sold the Minor and ended his motoring days. Prior to that I passed my test in his Minor !