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? 

[1midz0wwbl268]

  possibly main jet blocked,  or if a solex  carb accelorator pump  diafram perished ,i would   check your jets are clear, and that the pump diafram , (on the side of the body)  isnt perished,  if it s ok, then suspect an air leak   i have had exactly the same problems with my car,  not  tried it out since i repaird it, but everything pointed to an air leak  between the manifold and gasket. 

[Dave Adams]

what carb is it?

sounds like its not got the acceleration pump working correctly (a little diaphragm pump that puts a squirt of "gas" into the engine when the gas pedal is pressed)

could be air leaks to inlet manifold.....or incorrect ignition timing

[Dave Adams]

stromberg carbs

this should help with some of your issues....

[1midz0wwbl268]

Dave, stromberg,  i had an Vauxhall SL90  fitted with one of those, works on the constant depression princible doesnt it?

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

The engine has a site draft stromberg carburater. I took off the top but did not see any jets. I was afraid that it I broke it down completely I would ruin the gaskets since it is so old. Can you see the jets with just the top off.

[Dave Adams]

the jet is in the middle of the carb i believe they are similar to SU carbs....so it will have a needle (tapered) that lifts with the piston and alter the effective jet size.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

Where is the acceleration pump located?

[Dave Adams]

i took a guess on the carb type and then goggled it...  :-(

it may not have an acceleration pump.....not too familiar with strombergs, someone on here soon may have a much better idea.

[1midz0wwbl268]

stromburgs are very simular to Su's,  first check your dash pot  it should have oil in it , then on the side of the carb is a lifting pin  this allows you to lift the needle  it should drop cleanly  and not stick,  i'm not sure if Stromburgs have a dash pot diafram,  but that would beone thing to look at, best advice is to search online for a stromburg overhaul diagram and instruction how to set the needle,  because you have to undo the nut  drop the neele and then tighten  to centralise it. 

[Dave Adams]

adjusting strombergs

another interesting site for you.....

[Dave Taylor]

That a good info site Dave. Strombergs suffer from diaphragm failure, usually go porous around the edge of the piston. As the engine dies as it is revved it does sound like the needle jet is not lifting correctly. Should be available on EBay as a repair kit.

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

When depressing the lifting pin the engine dies.