Engine problems

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

This looks like a great site. I am having a problem. The engine is out of a Hillman Hunter. The engine idles just fine but when the gas pedal is pressed the engine dies.  I replaced the fuel pump but it did not help. I took the top off of the carb but it looks just fine. Any suggestions? 

[neil parsons]

why dont you fit twin 40 dcoe from thep hunter gls as an upgrade

[Dave Adams]

Most of us here are DOC members a fair few are committee members as well........

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

Well, I put oil into the carb but it did not help. I have noticed the engine will rev up when the choke is pulled all the way out.  To me that would indicate the air is being sucked in somewhere. Do you think it is the carb? If I pull the carb and break it down will I need new gaskets or maybe use liquid gasket replacement? I do not think I can find replacement gaskets for a Stromberg over here.

[1midz0wwbl268]

I would advice  getting an overhaul kit for the stromberg and new manifold gasket for the inlet manifold. going by what you say. its either an air leak, or possible needle not sittting right  i dont know how readily Su's are in florida, but as Steve sayes most this side of the pond ditch strombergs for Su's  to echo Daves comment, yes some of us are committee members , myself  being one.  

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

OK, Things are getting weird now. I disconnected the cables and started to remove the bolts on the carb. I then decided to try starting it one more time. Well it is now running just fine. How could that happen and will it just die on me out on the road?

[1midz0wwbl268]

what cables did you remove? is it possible that something was not adjusted right, either the choke being open so that it ran rich, choking the engine? doesnt the choke raise the needle on a cam?   how long ago did it start to play up and was it all of a sudden,  ie possible foreign object? 

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

When I was having problems I noticed the it would operate a little better with the choke fully applied. I had every cable disconnected and both of the connecting bolts loosened when I tried it out and got it running. I have hooked everything back up and drove it around the block. It ran just fine. I'm just a little afraid that it will die again. I was driving down a street and it just died on me when I originally had the problem so that may happen again. This is the only car I have now. I needed cataract surgery so it was either sell my truck or the Dutton for cash. I chose to keep the old girl and now she is messing with my head.

[James Doulton]

Perhaps it was a dirt particle which is now dislodged. It might be worth cleaning out the carburettor and seeing if there is any evidence of bits getting into the carb, rust from the fuel tank would be a good contender. If so, an inline fuel filter ought to stop that causing problems.

Alternatively, could it be water? Modern fuels contain more ethanol and I think that can absorb moisture. Whether it can separate out or not I cannot remember but it might be affected by a change in ambient conditions.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

I have an inline fuel filter in line near the fuel tank so sediment in the carb should not be an issue. For now I have the tools in the old girl just incase she dies again and hopefully I can once again run the car on ldle and drive it home at idle speed. I am thinking I should get a carb rebuild kit just incase I need it. For a Hunter I doubt there are any kits over here. also when looking for a rebuild kit the ports come in two different sizes and I believe I'll have to break down the carb to get the proper size unless someone knows the port sizes for a Hillman Hunter

[1midz0wwbl268]

Jet size is 90, needle is either a 5M or 6R  but some later ones  were fitted with a 100 jet, but needle size is the same  thats for the 1750 , so as both are listed, you should be ok using either,  i hope this helps

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

I did put on a new fuel filter. I am also thinking that when I put the oil in the top of the carb maybe it took  some time to work its way in to lubricate to carb and that it just happened to be the time when I got it to work. The carb was totally out of oil when I found the problem.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

I am going to take a ride in it today. Hopefully the old girl is done messing with me.