Am I running too rich...?

[Benyon]

Somehow I have let my limited/non-existent knowledge convince me that my carb is set too rich. :?

Over the weekend I drove three journey’s each of around 100 miles and my engine became progressively more “lumpy” as the weekend passed, so much so that I limped home on three cylinders (occasionally it felt like only two).

I have a 1600 VEGE engine (would this be a twinport or could it be either?) which is approx 10k miles old, and 009 dizzy and a stock carb. Mid-may the leads, plugs, rotor arm, dizzy cap & condenser were all replaced and prior to this the carb was richened to help tick over – previously the engine stalled at idle.

The problem occurs mainly when driving at constant speed (50mph) on motorways etc and is exaggerated when driving up hills and making the engine work harder.

I’ve not had time to check the plugs yet to see if they are excessively fouled or incorrectly gapped, tho they are only 700 miles old.

What else could be the cause to the problem?

 

[billybradshaw]

Check the all important valve clearances. Also, the only other 'cheapish' part of the ignition system you haven't changed is the coil so I'd be tempted to fit a new one. 009 dizzys receive a lot of criticism when used on a stock motor so if funds allow a nice vac advance version would be a good move.

What are your thoughts regarding running temp? It could be running too hot which would give rise to the symptoms you've described and, a lot of running temp issues can be cured through sorting the ignition................

Cheers

Ian

 

[Benyon]

A vac Dizzy has crossed my mind, would this still be a recommended option with twin carbs? I am looking at installing some Webber ICT 34's in the not too distant future. Is there anyway I can check the condition of the coil before buying a new one?

Yesterday when problems were worse the bus was running at around 100, previous 2 journeys ran at around 110, previous to this it ran at 120 (see previous thread: http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7002 ) until I recovered the outlets.

 

[Wannabay]

could just be a loose plug lead
happened to me recently
crimped the end with pliers to get me home
on my 'to do'list,a set of replacement leads...........

 

[steve92]

i had a similar problem in a westfield a couple of years ago.turned out to be the condencer

 

[Clarkson46]

Ditch the 009 and get the correct stock SVDA distributor and your economy will improve along with better power delivery. An 009 is intended for fixed rev engine such as generators or pumps. VW never fitted them or specified them.

 

[Tofufi]

^^ agree with Clarkson.

Also, the SVDA which will be best on your engine (assuming you have a twinport now?) will work perfectly with Weber 34 ICTs too

Sounds like the first thing to do is give it a thorough service though.

Does it have a standard air filter?

 

[Benyon]

Yeah, other than a replacement VEGE engine and the 009 dizzy everything else is standard.

What am I looking at for a SVDA, around £100? Do they come up second hand often, or are second hand ones not worth bothering with? Or is that just being tight? :mrgreen:

 

[Shaggy]

I got a second hand one for £20 works fine, you could get hold of a cheep one and replace the vac and condensor each about £20 or just buy a new one they are so much better if you don't want to burn around everywhere

 

[Joval]

Yeah, other than a replacement VEGE engine and the 009 dizzy everything else is standard.

What am I looking at for a SVDA, around £100? Do they come up second hand often, or are second hand ones not worth bothering with? Or is that just being tight? :mrgreen:

New genuine Bosch (VW Mexico) from Heritage or Machine7 for £99.50ish

or the real "SVDA" from aircooled.net for $160ish ($240 with Pertronix)

I bought a refurbed Bosch for $100 :wink:

 

[Guest]

or you could go for a pertronix billet dizzy and not worry about vac advance 8)

 

[Shaggy]

Yes do that its your best option