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spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:49 pm
by simoncrisp
Hi there
I would be grateful for some advice re this engine problem - possibly electrical possibly fuel.
My Morris has an 803cc engine and I have replaced the coil and fuel pump but the problem still persists.
She was starting to splutter and cut out after about an hour's drive, now sat on drive and struggling from cold.
She's misfiring with throttle, has occasionally run smoothly for a few minutes but problem returns and there is a lack of throttle response.
Any comments / advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Simon
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:17 pm
by MColes
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:40 pm
by bmcecosse
If only happening in this cold/damp weather - it may be carb icing. If you stop for 5 minutes - and the problem disappears - then that's most likely. Otherwise - look to the ignition components (it's 'never' the coil) - such as rotor arm (prime suspect) /dizzy cap/points/condenser/HT leads - even knackered spark plugs. Just change one thing at a time to track down the culprit - if you don't think it's carb icing.
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:36 pm
by rayofleamington
are there an scenarios that make it worse (e.g. harder driving etc...)
Do you have an inline fuel filter, and if so has it been changed recently?
I had this problem on the hill passes in Spain in winter and spent ages worrying about carb icing (and chenged the fuel pump + all electrics) before realising the filter was clogged.

(pretty basic mistake

)
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:55 am
by simoncrisp
Hi again
Many thanks for your suggestions - will be on the case and let you know.
Once the problem takes hold it just keeps playing up, whether the engine is hot or cold now.
I have tried fuel supply issues - that seems okay.
So plan to try the electrical possibilities one by one.
Thanks again.
Simon
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:00 pm
by simoncrisp
Thanks for all the advice.
After trying various possibilites I narrowed it down to the condenser !
So well diagnosed - I will certainly remember that one.
Thanks again
Simon
Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:06 pm
by PSL184
It usually is - carry a spare as the modern ones are rubbish and look out for original Lucas items at autojumbles etc

Re: spluttering engine - electrical?
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:12 pm
by bmcecosse
A simple test if condenser is suspected - is to patch another one on outside the dizzy! Even a wireless suppressor works. If the engine then runs perefctly - you have the culprit.