Last chance for the volumex

[Shaun II]

I have a vx engine in my hawk, it hadn't run for at least 10 years - unsiezed easily but has not run well for two years. Two of the problems are an iffy carb and timing not spot on but near enough.

It has a miss fire on No.4, just as the new plug lead is removed from the new plug engine runs better(this is the key to the problem). Once lead is off misses as usual and will fire back thru carb/inlet valve if pushed.
WTF is wrong, I'm at my wits end an will have to swap the engine for another just for the mot unless someone knows...................

For info compression on all cyls is about the same at 140, inlet/exh clearances are similar to other cylinders, from memory app 30 and 45. Plugs are sooty except no4 which is wet, head gasket is new but the old one was fine, no obvious cracks, didn't check valves.

[strat6v]

Dizzy cap?

[snapper8v]

Give Chris a call at Betacar 01535-275560, he breathes Beta's, or failing that go on-line at http://www.betaboyz.co.uk/.

LAWRENCE

[Steve Strain]

You may have already done this this but recheck the firing order.

Years ago when I had a Guy Croft Beta lump (see pic 18/55 on P226 of his book) I bought some new leads when one of the originals failed and would not pass any current i.e. went open circuit.
Leads 1 and 2 were the same length as were 3 and 4 (the only choice in bright yellow).
Unfortunately (because they were yellow) it was then possible to inadvertantly swap plug lead 3 for 4 etc without noticing. Amazingly the engine would still fire and run but rather badly - this is what made me think of your engines current symptoms.

Interestingly I had a plug lead fail recently on the Alfa V6 but luckily the leads come apart (the long plastic bit unscrews) and the lead can be remade from the bits. I also recently had a brand new plug go fully open circuit, replacing this fixed an intermittant cold start issue and misfire.

Thank the Alfa god for his great wisdom in numbering the plug leads and the cam covers, being able to match numbers keeps us Accountants happy.

Hope this helps

Steve

[Shaun II]

The b****y rotor arm of all things, different heat rating plugs helped.

Glue the screen in, mot and then stick the numberplates on - can't wait......

[strat6v]

Good news Shaun, glad you got it sorted :)