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Engine cutting out

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DesertSprite

Jedi Warrior
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Hello,

New problem this week. The engine seems to cut out in 1st or 2nd gear when the rpms are fairly low. Seems to happen after driving the car for a while, maybe 20 mins or so. Engine begins to struggle to keep the idle, then starts cutting in and out...then nothing. The "prepare to walk light" doesn't come on at all, it just cuts out and it's done.

I haven't even taken a look yet. I want to get your guys' opinions before I start digging around. Any ideas?

Joel

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif
 
When ever the problem is with a warm engine I would look at the points and coil first, especially if the problem goes away when the engine is cold. Similar problem with my Midget was a bad coil. Fuel pump may also be suspect. When it dies check, for spark at one of the plugs to determine ignition vs fuel. Good Luck, Rick
 
Rick is on the right track, that is to say, the problem is the coil/points, only it's the SOURCE of the problem that matters. Generally this problem is related to the ballast resistor. I had this problem for YEARS before somebody pointed me in the right direction, now, thanks to BCF, you can learn from my experience. Either install the proper ballast resistor to your existing system or replace the coil with one that has the ballast resistor internally. My car has run flawlessly since I switched to an internal ballast resistor coil.

PS. I replaced EVERYTHING, carbs, diz, fuel pump, plugs, wires, filters, spent HUNDREDS of dollars /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif all for the want of a cheap ballast resistor. oh well,

JACK
 
When you say "cut's out and it's done" do you mean it won't start again?

It may be worth checking your choke. Possible the linkage is binding and not allowing you to shut it off?

I don't have a car like yours, but my motorcyle would always do just as you described when I would forget to turn the choke off.

Just grasping here...
 
Re: coil&points, I just went through that a couple of months ago. New everything. I'll check it, but I don't think it's that. When the coil went, it just plain stopped. This is more of a sputtering, trying to stay alive engine, then it cuts out.

Morris - it's very difficult for it to start up again. However, it will fire up, sputter and die through several tries, then start up a bit "stronger" and allow me to rev it up. As long as I keep the rpm's fairly high it seems to stay alive.

Come to think of it, it does seem to behave as if the choke is constantly open. Would too much fuel "drown" the engine while driving?

Joel
 
Yes it would. Blub Blub.
 
It does sound rather like a fuel issue: Most electrical/electronic misses are "hard edged" not "fluffy" as this is from description. I don't recall if you've the SU pump or what choke arrangement but there's where I'd be looking first.
 
Actually I really don't know which fuel pump I have. Although the fuel pump is sounding a bit "grindy" lately.

I'll replace the condenser since that is an easy job. I guess I'll get out the Bentley manual and check all the choke specifications too.

Joel
 
[ QUOTE ]
Actually I really don't know which fuel pump I have. Although the fuel pump is sounding a bit "grindy" lately.

I'll replace the condenser since that is an easy job. I guess I'll get out the Bentley manual and check all the choke specifications too.

Joel

[/ QUOTE ]I know two people who took off and rebuilt carbs and some other things because of the condenser. That one can really fool you because the missing is erratic and is not confined to just one cylinder when it cuts out. It makes it seem like it could be a fuel problem. Worth a try, let us know how it works out.
 
It was the condenser.

Tried starting the car at lunch today and it held it's idle for about 10 seconds, then abruptly cut out. Tried to restart it and nothing happened. This made me think it was an electrical problem like some of you suggested. So...after work I changed the condenser, and voila....I know have a Sprite that works!

Drove it around a while, no mis-fires, no sputtering or anything. Felt like it was more lively too.

However, that little screw that holds the condenser in is a SOB to get back in.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Joel

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
It was the condenser.

Tried starting the car at lunch today and it held it's idle for about 10 seconds, then abruptly cut out. Tried to restart it and nothing happened. This made me think it was an electrical problem like some of you suggested. So...after work I changed the condenser, and voila....I know have a Sprite that works!

Drove it around a while, no mis-fires, no sputtering or anything. Felt like it was more lively too.

However, that little screw that holds the condenser in is a SOB to get back in.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Joel

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

[/ QUOTE ] Good deal, glad that is all it was.
 
Now you have to ask yourself "What made the condensor fail?" I still say you need to check your ballast resistor if you haven't done so already. Otherwise, that new condensor will work great for a little while until it starts building up heat and gradually starts breaking down internally from too much voltage causing you to go through the problem you've just had again. Make sure and get the cure along with the symptoms.

JACK
 
Hi Jack,

I'm using the Lucas sport coil which says not to use a ballast resistor. I've tested the ohms going through the coil several times and everything seems to be fine. However, you are right...what did make the condenser fail?

I'm hoping it was just old and worn out. The previous coil I had on the car was completely fried, so maybe this is just a piece of equipment that was affected by that. ??

Joel
 
Regularman.......Is-Da-Man /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Regularman.......Is-Da-Man /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Sometimes they just fail. Old age.
 
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