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Sooty, oily Spark plugs and black exhaust, no idle
t_tuffnut - November 22nd, 2010 at 05:21 PM

Hi all, I need to consult the Aussie Vee Dubber Oracles once again.

Thought I had this problem licked. Last time I had similar problems with the bug (Won't rev properly, wont idle) I switched out the dizzy caps and plugs and that sorted it all out.

I've taken it for a few drives since then, drove it out of the garage on sunday morning. Went to drive it back in and I've got the same problem, though this time it is blowing a fair bit of black exhaust.

I've got a new dizzy cap on order (the one i switched it for is a crappy clear empi number) and cleaned up the rotor, but not getting anything.

I pulled a plug and found it wet - Could it be unburnt fuel? or is it more likely to be oil? It didn't smell strongly of fuel, so I'm a bit concerned.

If it is oil, does that mean engine rebuild time? Or could it be an accumulation of flash lube?

Thanks


t_tuffnut - November 22nd, 2010 at 06:44 PM

After some faffing, I sorted out the problem.

Blocked air filter. I had the sponge type on it and I guess it is clogged up with oil from the crank exhaust. I switched it out for the oil bath and the engine ran OK. I've fiddled around with the idle and mixture screws, so it is a little rough.

Thanks Ian for the link to the video on the other thread about adjusting the carbies - very helpful!

Haven't checked the plugs yet, but it could be a build up of stuff from constricted/oily air I figure. I'll give it a good run tomorrow and hopefully burn it off.


donn - November 22nd, 2010 at 08:25 PM

Sounds like it may be running rich.


t_tuffnut - November 23rd, 2010 at 05:16 AM

It probably is. Needs a proper tune by someone who knows what they are doing I think!

Now that it's running, I can get it to the VW place around the corner for a once over.

Donn, I spoke to my Dad about that 73 shell, he said he would be interested in taking it. Just have to organise a weekend and a trailer.


donn - November 23rd, 2010 at 06:26 PM

Cool, but not this weekend as I'll be outatown.


t_tuffnut - November 23rd, 2010 at 06:28 PM

How's this for a kick in the arse!

I took it down the road, literally 200 metres when the engine conks out on me. A passing motorist stops and asks if I want assistance. I say thanks, but I'm fine. He says "Are you sure? There is smoke blowing out from under your boot lid." Sure enough, look in the rear view to see plumes of white smoke issuing from the rear vents. So we pushed it to the side of the road.

Opened it up, fearing an engine fire, turns out that the wire from the tacho to the coil has worn away where it passes through the rear fire wall and caused a short, toasting the wire and causing the smoke. I disconnected it, fired it up and all was good. Took it for a very short spin around the neighbourhood and all seems well.

The fiance is a bit concerned about me driving it at the moment. So it could have burst into flames, big deal!