Morris Minor Owners Club

I recently bought a 74 mini... it sat for about a year before I bought it.
It has a 1275 from a mid 80s, along with electronic ignition. Lucas I think.
Drove it 25 miles to a different town. Coming back, at about the 20 mile point, the engine started losing power, then it would surge, then lose power, etc. I got about a mile away from home and it died. I left, got another vehicle to tow it, was gone for about 30 minutes, it started right up and drove fine.
The next day it wouldn't start.
I squirted starter fluid in it and it would run for a bit.
I removed the fuel hose; it had lots of pressure.
I removed the carb, soaked and cleaned it (it was filthy), put it back on, still wont work.
I think I need to adjust the carb. The cap rotor and plugs have been changed.
My mixture screw is covered in what looks like shellac.
How do I adjust this carb? I've never seen one like it. I'm used to VW carbs!
Thanks all,
C

Hi and welcome from a fellow Mini owner
Before you start adjusting things have you had the bottom off the carb, the float chamber is in there and you may well have a blockage in the float valve. Four screws and it's off so easy to check, and remember to top the dash pot up with oil after you've re-fitted the carb.

Does sound like a fuel feed problem. If you crank the engine with the fuel pipe feeding a jar (instead of the carb) does fuel come out? And - have you checked there is some fuel in the tank...... While I'm sure we are more than willing to help where we can - this is a Morris Minor forum, and there are several Mini forums available.

I did take the float chamber apart; there was fuel. But usually when I activate the throttle(on a vw) it activates the accelerator pump and I hear or see a squirt. I didn't get that with this carb.
Fuel comes out of the pump hose when its disconnected.
You said this is a morris mini forum. Isnt mine a morris mini? The paperwork says its a rover mini. But when I try to get parts at a local store, there isn't even a listing.
Thanks!
C

No - I said this is a Morris MINOR forum...none of which were ever fitted with HIF carb as standard - although some do get that carb later in life. There is no accelerator pump - the piston is delayed by the little damper to do the same job.

I'm sorry!
I didn't realize... sometimes I read too fast.
So... this isn't for minis. Oops.
Thanks anyway!
C