Hi .When I bought my 500 L it came as a complete kit form .It was a bare shell with everything else in cardboard boxes.The engine and seperate gearbox (out of Polish 650cc car. Like my other oldies I started the engine out of the car on the garage floor.I just had to attatch the gearbox, exhaust, battery and a fuel supply.I must have been very lucky because as soon as it got fuel through it started and ran fine.
Since finishing the car I have fitted electronic ignition and a new fuel pump just for good measure and appart from that I have never touched the carb or valve clearences. But really what I am trying to say if something is working leave alone and enjoy it.
P.S. have you looked at my steering rack swap with some pics

The only thing I must do is cure the "TIN" rattle coming from the engine.When feeling round when cold there dosn't seem to be any loose tinware but at a certain revs its quite a racket .Is this as good as it gets or can it be made quiet.(er)
Bryan

phoenix1 said:

The only thing I must do is cure the "TIN" rattle coming from the engine.When feeling round when cold there dosn't seem to be any loose tinware but at a certain revs its quite a racket .Is this as good as it gets or can it be made quiet.(er)
Bryan

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It could be your dynamo/generator bearings or the fan could be touching the tinware slightly. Mine was my generator bearings

Hi.Paolo.It only happens at a certain revs so I think its a resonance problem.
I will wait till the sun goes in and try it around back of house trying not to annoy the neighbours to much. (again )

When the engine is hot and you have the 'tinny' rattle, check the thermostat flap---it could be that when the flap is open, and not held against the housing (as it is when shut) it could be loose and causing the noise.