77' Midget engine won't stay on----

[Felipe]

Hi,
I just got a 1977 Midget. it has been sitting for who knows how long really... I got it from a lien sale- tow co. it doesn't have keys.(but another key turns the ignition but it's not working it only turns the accesories on- ??)
I'm having to crank the engine from the starter cables. it took a little bit to get it started but it did.It runs really rough though and sometimes even backfires and it won't stay on unless I'm giving it gas.
Any ideas? I would really apreciate it.
Thanks lots.

[ 03-27-2003: Message edited by: Felipe ]</p>

 

[Andre the Giant]

I would guess that since you don't have a key, but another key seems to turn the ignition to the "accessory on" position, the ignition switch/key assembly is probably in need of replacement. In addition, the starter solenoid may need to be replaced. Once you get those issues resolved, the rest of your problems should be a cake walk...

The rough running engine could be a number of factors. The car's been sitting for a long time so the plugs, oil filter, air filter and oil need to be replaced. The carburettor may need to be rebuilt or at least cleaned with some carburettor cleaner. The mixture probably needs to be adjusted, and if the car still has emission controls, there's a whole host of other issues that might cause the engine to run rough. I'm sure others will be joining in with more suggestions anytime. Good Luck!

[ 03-27-2003: Message edited by: Andre the Giant ]</p>

 

[kmcormick9]

definitely rebuild the carb and adjust it. zeniths are unbelievably simple, just make sure your replace the needle when you rebuild it. if its an auto choke consider switching to manual choke. and if its already manual choke, learn how to use it: all the way out is for starting and it will run rough, 75% in (you will feel it stick in place) is for warm up and running and all the way in is for when you get it going good

 

[Gary Lloyd]

Probaly just bad gas!! Drain it and refill it!!

 

[Felipe]

Thanks everyone for the tips.
You know that I had changed the plug wires without knowing the firing order, just to the common order... but after finding out the correct order for the car I changed them and that was it now the engine is running really good, the only thing is that is a bit strong on the gas smell. could somebody please tell me how to adjust the mixture in this car-77 Midget-
Thank you again.
Felipe.

 

[William]

There's a special tool for adjusting the Stromberg carb on later Midgets. Looks like a long Allen key, with a special sleeve that locks into the damper inside the carb body (you do this after unscrewing the dashpot cap). They're pretty inexpensive, but you'll need to order one from Moss or some similar British car specialist-it's not the type of thing sold at Wal-Mart.
-William

 

[Andre the Giant]

Here are three possible causes of the strong gas smell.
1) The choke may be stuck. If you have the auto-choke, you might want to check out this website and perform the rebuild. Tony's Website

2) The mixture may be off. Use the Zenith Stromberg tool as mentioned in a previous post.

3) The Idle Mixture may be off. This is adjusted by turning the yellow plastic hex nut on the carburettor. The plastic nut is the coarse idle mixture adjustment, and the screw that goes through the center of it is the fine idle mixture adjustment.

Other causes may be:
A leaky gasket between the fuel bowl and the carburettor.
Leaky choke gasket
Fuel line leak
Evaporative canister leak or a leak in the hoses that lead to the canisters.
Emission control problems.

Where does the fuel smell come from? If you can tell us that, we might be able to narrow it down a bit. Regardless, I think a carburettor rebuild would do your Midget some good. Its cheap, its easy, and most likely you will find the problem while performing the rebuild.

Good Luck

Andre

[ 04-07-2003: Message edited by: Andre the Giant ]</p>

 

[Felipe]

I'm so sorry. I guess I should of said that it is running too rich, it's actually "burned" gas smell.
although some of the tips do apply.I did not know where any of the mixture adjusting screws were...so thank you.
(My manual should be getting here in the next couple of days...)
thanks.Felipe