Technical Choke, carb, ignition???

[panichat]

I've got an intermittant power loss problem with my 1500 that is puzzling me.
The car starts well and drives ok for 5 minutes. Then it loses power (it doesn't stall but has no go when you use the accelerator). If you switch off and them switch on again after a minute it is fine again, but the problem crops up again later.
I'm wondering if the auto-choke is staying on too long and flooding the carb, or if the carb itself is dirty or worn out. Perhaps it is an ignition problem?
The car is new to me but has obviously led a traumatic life so I'm working on the assumption that every component is a suspect!
I'd welcome any opinions before I start taking things apart.
Thanks

Dave

 

[smokeme]

I would clean the carb, then check the plugs and leads

 

[polecat]

Sounds like a fuel flow problem. Check the carb jet and fuel filter first. It may be worth flushing out the fuel lines and tank in case you are pulling contaminated fuel through.

Check a plug for colour, should tell you if you are running too rich.

 

[panichat]

Thanks - I'll give it a go.
Dave

 

[Mr. X]

Sounds to me like the fuel pump might be on its way out... that or the fuel filter is clogging up....

 

[panichat]

Thanks-
I cleaned out the carb - there were a lot of bits in the chamber - and put it back together. I had a go at bleeding the water system, broke the bleed screw collar off, soldered it on again and bled the system thoroughly. I'm not sure which remedy had the desired effect but with a bit of fiddling it seems to be much better. It's all a learning experience really and I'm really grateful for all the help.
Cheers
Dave

 

[alexGS]

I was having similar issues with my 1500 X1/9. Felt like a blocked main jet - basically, the engine would only pull at full throttle and then (obviously) not at full power. This tended to happen after a sharp right-hand turn, and then sort itself out given a little while.

I think that my problem is caused by water in the fuel system. I hypothesise that with the shape and mounting of the fuel tank (upwards-facing filler) that it would be easy for water to get in there. When this water sits in the carburettor, there is a problem.

I have tipped a cupful of meths in the fuel tank (suggested by a wise friend of mine) and have not had a problem since. Could be coincidence, but worth a try.


-Alex