The 'E' Type Forum

Not long got my E-Type (1969 4.2) back from a year in a Body-shop and I finally got to ride the beast earlier today. Aside from a few other minor niggles the main problem I've encountered is the engine being lumpy with erratic tick-over and sounds like it's mis-firing and not running on all cylinders. Before it entered the Body-shop it ran fine. I'm no expert regarding these problems and I was wondering if anybody out there could shed some light as to what I could do to alleviate it.

1. Check the filter bowl and carb filters (x3 with SU's) - they could have become clogged with paint dust. Check the tank sump filter. I assume you have put fresh fuel in it?

2. Check all electrical connectors especially on the coil - again dust can be a problem.

3. Check the distributor cap, points and arm for dust and wear (assuming you have a standard dizzy).

4. When did the car last have new HT leads and plug caps? If the leads are stiff change them, ditto the plug caps. Might as well change the plugs while you are at it.

5. Check the timing - something may have moved.

The car really needs a full service after a year of sitting around so work from one end to the other following the factory maintenance schedule.

Alternatively take it to a recommended specialist if you do not have the service facilities.

Thanks for the reply and suggestions, you've given me a lot to go on and what you've said seems to make a lot of sense. Really appreciate it, thank you.

Andy

No problem - keep us informed with diagnostics as you go along and we will attempt to help.

Body shop has told me the thermostat was jammed, so they took it out spilling coolant all over the distributor.

I have cleaned it all out and it has made a 50% difference in the running, I did notice the points were black, not being an expert on changing these I will wait till it has its service. Would the points be suspect in that condition.

Cheers Andy

Yes. Consider installing a 123 electronic distributor. There is a thread around here on people's experiences. Simple cost effective upgrade.

Andy, try and drain the tank and put some fresh petrol in. I've found that even after 6 months or so modern petrol can go off and make the car run poorly, if at all.

A couple of weeks ago, I drained the tank of an XJS, than I hadn't used for 3 years. The old fuel didn't smell too good, and wouldn't burn! Seriously, I put some in an old saucepan, threw a match in, and the match was extinguished by the petrol. After 10 or so attempts I gave up, and the only way it would burn was by soaking newspaper in it...and then it burned like paraffin.

Mark

Thanks Mark will do that.

Andy