Cough Sputter Blah

[Gene Gillam]

Thinking caps please!! Went out with my friend Bob Bell yesterday - me driving his TC, him leading in his TD. About 8 miles down the road the TC started acting like it was running on two cylinders, no misfire, no backfiring, just a loss of power. Bob has a modern fuel pump mounted back at the tank, pushing petrol thru the front Lucas pump, then to the carburetors. Pulled over to the side of the road, checked the in-line filter under the tank, looked clean, pulled out the filter on the Lucas pump, a bit dirty but not too much, cleaned, and restarted the car. Running smooth again with power. Drove down the road a bit further, same symptoms - loss of power. Coil very hot compared to the coil in the TD. Let it sit, started up, good power. Drove maybe a mile and putt-putt - power gone again. Hooked up the Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. Ran perfectly again - until I pulled over and we disconnected the push pump to "see if the push pump was the problem". Started out using only the Lucas pump - three miles down the road and it dies again. Hooked up both pumps and made it the final 1/2 mile home. When we got home, I replaced his Lucas pump with a brand new spare - same symptom - loss of power after about 5 miles or so when you start out driving - wait a while and it runs strong until ???? happens and it loses power again.. Oh, by the way, this had happened to Bob before so we had started out the day by installing a heatshield behind the carburetors and were testing it out when the above happened. The engine temperature is good at about 160F. Question, Class: If it's not fuel related, where do we look electrically? The coil??? It does seem hot but I remember my coil being hot on my TC. Distributor? Car doesn't misfire or backfire and when it's running correctly it runs strong. Vacuum leak somewhere? Suggestions please on how to find it. And, goodness but I hate to admit this - Bob's got a Bishop's Cam steering box in his TC and it's *ALMOST* as good as my Datsun - grin. Thanks all, Gene Gillam 1949 MG TC Saucier, MS --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mark Stolzenburg]

Gene, Let me know what you find out with your friends TC. As I mentioned about a week ago, when my TC warms up it acts the same. I've check fuel lines, gas to the front carb when hot, replaced fuel pump, coil and condenser, checked float levels, leaned jets, even hot wired engine to eliminate other electrical components. Everything seems to check out OK. Mark Stolzenburg Stumped in St. Louis and still running rough TC 7812

----- Original Message ----- From: "Gene Gillam" anngene@bellsouth.net> To: Martinman006@aol.com>; "mg-tabc List" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 12:30 PM Subject: [mg-tabc] Cough Sputter Blah > Thinking caps please!! > > Went out with my friend Bob Bell yesterday - me driving his TC, him leading in his TD. About 8 miles down the road the TC started acting like it was running on two cylinders, no misfire, no backfiring, just a loss of power. Bob has a modern fuel pump mounted back at the tank, pushing petrol thru the front Lucas pump, then to the carburetors. Pulled over to the side of the road, checked the in-line filter under the tank, looked clean, pulled out the filter on the Lucas pump, a bit dirty but not too much, cleaned, and restarted the car. Running smooth again with power. > > Drove down the road a bit further, same symptoms - loss of power. Coil very hot compared to the coil in the TD. Let it sit, started up, good power. Drove maybe a mile and putt-putt - power gone again. Hooked up the Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. Ran perfectly again - until I pulled over and we disconnected the push pump to "see if the push pump was the problem". Started out using only the Lucas pump - three miles down the road and it dies again. Hooked up both pumps and made it the final 1/2 mile home. > > When we got home, I replaced his Lucas pump with a brand new spare - same symptom - loss of power after about 5 miles or so when you start out driving - wait a while and it runs strong until ???? happens and it loses power again.. > > Oh, by the way, this had happened to Bob before so we had started out the day by installing a heatshield behind the carburetors and were testing it out when the above happened. The engine temperature is good at about 160F. > > Question, Class: If it's not fuel related, where do we look electrically? The coil??? It does seem hot but I remember my coil being hot on my TC. Distributor? Car doesn't misfire or backfire and when it's running correctly it runs strong. Vacuum leak somewhere? Suggestions please on how to find it. > > And, goodness but I hate to admit this - Bob's got a Bishop's Cam steering box in his TC and it's *ALMOST* as good as my Datsun - grin. > > Thanks all, > > Gene Gillam > 1949 MG TC > Saucier, MS > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > >

[Clive Sherriff]

This sound like it could be wrong heat rating plug trouble ? It might be worth putting a new set of correct rating plugs in and trying it - Clive =================================

----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Stolzenburg" stolzy40@peoplepc.com> To: "Gene Gillam" anngene@bellsouth.net> Cc: "mg-tabc List" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 6:46 PM Subject: Re: [mg-tabc] Cough Sputter Blah > Gene, Let me know what you find out with your friends TC. As I mentioned > about a week ago, when my TC warms up it acts the same. I've check fuel > lines, gas to the front carb when hot, replaced fuel pump, coil and > condenser, checked float levels, leaned jets, even hot wired engine to > eliminate other electrical components. Everything seems to check out OK. > Mark Stolzenburg > Stumped in St. Louis and still running rough > TC 7812 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gene Gillam" anngene@bellsouth.net> > To: Martinman006@aol.com>; "mg-tabc List" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 12:30 PM > Subject: [mg-tabc] Cough Sputter Blah > > > > Thinking caps please!! > > > > Went out with my friend Bob Bell yesterday - me driving his TC, him > leading in his TD. About 8 miles down the road the TC started acting like > it was running on two cylinders, no misfire, no backfiring, just a loss of > power. Bob has a modern fuel pump mounted back at the tank, pushing petrol > thru the front Lucas pump, then to the carburetors. Pulled over to the side > of the road, checked the in-line filter under the tank, looked clean, pulled > out the filter on the Lucas pump, a bit dirty but not too much, cleaned, and > restarted the car. Running smooth again with power. > > > > Drove down the road a bit further, same symptoms - loss of power. Coil > very hot compared to the coil in the TD. Let it sit, started up, good > power. Drove maybe a mile and putt-putt - power gone again. Hooked up the > Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. Ran perfectly again - > until I pulled over and we disconnected the push pump to "see if the push > pump was the problem". Started out using only the Lucas pump - three miles > down the road and it dies again. Hooked up both pumps and made it the final > 1/2 mile home. > > > > When we got home, I replaced his Lucas pump with a brand new spare - same > symptom - loss of power after about 5 miles or so when you start out > driving - wait a while and it runs strong until ???? happens and it loses > power again.. > > > > Oh, by the way, this had happened to Bob before so we had started out the > day by installing a heatshield behind the carburetors and were testing it > out when the above happened. The engine temperature is good at about 160F. > > > > Question, Class: If it's not fuel related, where do we look electrically? > The coil??? It does seem hot but I remember my coil being hot on my TC. > Distributor? Car doesn't misfire or backfire and when it's running > correctly it runs strong. Vacuum leak somewhere? Suggestions please on > how to find it. > > > > And, goodness but I hate to admit this - Bob's got a Bishop's Cam steering > box in his TC and it's *ALMOST* as good as my Datsun - grin. > > > > Thanks all, > > > > Gene Gillam > > 1949 MG TC > > Saucier, MS > > > > > > --- > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > > Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002 > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

[David & Joyce Edgar]

>Hooked up the Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. >Ran perfectly again

I would think this would indicate a fuel supply problem. A low pressure SU pump should pump 7 1/2 gallons per hour or by my calculations, one cup in 30 seconds. Does either pump do that alone? I would measure by disconnecting fuel line at front carb to make sure whole fuel line is clear. One other thought is the filter at the bottom of the petrol tank. Possible clogging material gets washed off filter by petrol sloshing around when coming to a stop and you are good for a few miles till the crud builds up again. I had a similar problem several years ago. Would run fine, suddenly loose power, and would occasionally gain power back in short bursts. Cleaned crud out of tank, and the in-tank filter and we were off like a champ again. I also replaced my in line filter mounted on my hidden push pump. David Edgar, TC 5108 El Cajon, California

[Gene Gillam]

Clive suggested:

>It might be worth putting a new set of correct rating plugs in and trying

it http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002

[Gene Gillam]

David wrote,

> A low pressure SU pump should pump 7 1/2 gallons per hour or by my

calculations, one cup in 30 seconds. Does either pump do that alone? I would measure by disconnecting fuel line at front carb to make sure whole fuel line is clear. One other thought is the filter at the bottom of the petrol tank.http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002

[Peter Ross]

I had similar trouble on our PA but it did misfire. I eventually found that one carb float chamber was not venting properly. If all your cylinders are firing, but weakly, try popping the fuel filler (gas) cap. You can just lean back as the driver and reach it, but it's much safer if a passenger does it. Alternatively, stop, run round the back and pop it. If the vent is blocked, you'll hear a giant sucking sound as the tank gulps air. When you have stopped and "let it rest" in your trials, air has been seeping in and, when it is up to atmos pressure, away you go again. To get home, drive with the cap released. It's quite common to reassemble the cap so the small vent hole is non functional. Also, someone may fashion a gasket to stop fuel sloshing out and inadvertently seal the tank. There are several areas in our fuel system where atmospheric pressure is fundamental. Fuel tank, float chambers, carb dashpots. The PA has a "funny" coil on top of the tank to let air in; then you can seal the cap completely. Cheers, Peter

----- Original Message ----- From: "Gene Gillam" anngene@bellsouth.net> To: Martinman006@aol.com>; "mg-tabc List" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 1:30 PM Subject: [mg-tabc] Cough Sputter Blah > Thinking caps please!! > > Went out with my friend Bob Bell yesterday - me driving his TC, him leading in his TD. About 8 miles down the road the TC started acting like it was running on two cylinders, no misfire, no backfiring, just a loss of power. Bob has a modern fuel pump mounted back at the tank, pushing petrol thru the front Lucas pump, then to the carburetors. Pulled over to the side of the road, checked the in-line filter under the tank, looked clean, pulled out the filter on the Lucas pump, a bit dirty but not too much, cleaned, and restarted the car. Running smooth again with power. > > Drove down the road a bit further, same symptoms - loss of power. Coil very hot compared to the coil in the TD. Let it sit, started up, good power. Drove maybe a mile and putt-putt - power gone again. Hooked up the Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. Ran perfectly again - until I pulled over and we disconnected the push pump to "see if the push pump was the problem". Started out using only the Lucas pump - three miles down the road and it dies again. Hooked up both pumps and made it the final 1/2 mile home. > > When we got home, I replaced his Lucas pump with a brand new spare - same symptom - loss of power after about 5 miles or so when you start out driving - wait a while and it runs strong until ???? happens and it loses power again.. > > Oh, by the way, this had happened to Bob before so we had started out the day by installing a heatshield behind the carburetors and were testing it out when the above happened. The engine temperature is good at about 160F. > > Question, Class: If it's not fuel related, where do we look electrically? The coil??? It does seem hot but I remember my coil being hot on my TC. Distributor? Car doesn't misfire or backfire and when it's running correctly it runs strong. Vacuum leak somewhere? Suggestions please on how to find it. > > And, goodness but I hate to admit this - Bob's got a Bishop's Cam steering box in his TC and it's *ALMOST* as good as my Datsun - grin. > > Thanks all, > > Gene Gillam > 1949 MG TC > Saucier, MS > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

[David & Joyce Edgar]

>but we tried three different pumps, including one brand new one.

I would still check flow from the line at the front carb. Possible for hoses when hold to clog up. David Edgar, TC 5108 El Cajon, California

[Davidtasa@aol.com]

Gene, I'm no expert, but I did have a similar problem a while back and it turned out to be that the gas cap was not properly vented. After a few miles there was a vacuum in the tank which the fuel pump wasn't strong enough to overcome. After a few minutes the car would restart and run fine for a few more miles then the same problem. Could be you have a similar situation. There is a tiny hole in the inner portion of the gas cap which needs to be open and not covered by a gasket or the like. David TC 3896 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Sam Suklis]

Hello, Gene: ...Coil, coil coil!. Been there, done that. Years ago, on the Columbia gorge, in a raging storm, the final 40 miles to Portland took an eternity of going slower and slower, pull over, let the coil cool off, and repeat, with the intervals between getting shorter and shorter as the coil got weaker. Took half the night to make the trip. It didn't help to have one of the famous Columbia gorge wind-gusts take the top, bows and all, and whip the whole works off the car and into the darkness and and rain. And of course, the lovely Lucas wiper motor chose to quit the game, which is what they do best. The purpose of that trip had been to meet my fiancee's parents in the Dalles, Or. she had to crank the wipers the whole way, no top, rain going by horizontally. She never spoke to me again. Some thing just aren't made to be. Best regards, Sam Suklis. SS

----- Original Message ----- From: "Gene Gillam" anngene@bellsouth.net> To: Martinman006@aol.com>; "mg-tabc List" mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 10:30 AM Subject: [mg-tabc] Cough Sputter Blah > Thinking caps please!! > > Went out with my friend Bob Bell yesterday - me driving his TC, him leading in his TD. About 8 miles down the road the TC started acting like it was running on two cylinders, no misfire, no backfiring, just a loss of power. Bob has a modern fuel pump mounted back at the tank, pushing petrol thru the front Lucas pump, then to the carburetors. Pulled over to the side of the road, checked the in-line filter under the tank, looked clean, pulled out the filter on the Lucas pump, a bit dirty but not too much, cleaned, and restarted the car. Running smooth again with power. > > Drove down the road a bit further, same symptoms - loss of power. Coil very hot compared to the coil in the TD. Let it sit, started up, good power. Drove maybe a mile and putt-putt - power gone again. Hooked up the Lucas pump to work with the push pump at the tank. Ran perfectly again - until I pulled over and we disconnected the push pump to "see if the push pump was the problem". Started out using only the Lucas pump - three miles down the road and it dies again. Hooked up both pumps and made it the final 1/2 mile home. > > When we got home, I replaced his Lucas pump with a brand new spare - same symptom - loss of power after about 5 miles or so when you start out driving - wait a while and it runs strong until ???? happens and it loses power again.. > > Oh, by the way, this had happened to Bob before so we had started out the day by installing a heatshield behind the carburetors and were testing it out when the above happened. The engine temperature is good at about 160F. > > Question, Class: If it's not fuel related, where do we look electrically? The coil??? It does seem hot but I remember my coil being hot on my TC. Distributor? Car doesn't misfire or backfire and when it's running correctly it runs strong. Vacuum leak somewhere? Suggestions please on how to find it. > > And, goodness but I hate to admit this - Bob's got a Bishop's Cam steering box in his TC and it's *ALMOST* as good as my Datsun - grin. > > Thanks all, > > Gene Gillam > 1949 MG TC > Saucier, MS > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.350 / Virus Database: 196 - Release Date: 4/17/2002 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > >