10 replies to this topic

[postve]

Hello Folks,

 

I am new to this forum and have a problem I think I have diagnosed but wanted some thoughts.

 

1978 Mini

1275 engine

dual carbs

 

Issue:

 

- cars starts no problem

- idles perfectly

- when i put in gear she jerks and then stalls - just started a day ago and was running great up to this point

- If i put in second gear and drag on the clutch she will move forward slowly but as soon as a little acceleration she jerks violently and stalls

 

 

This started right after I added 94 Octane gas and want to assume maybe water in gas but not sure.

 

- checked the filters - dirty and replacing

- added some gas line anti-freeze - no change but thinking need to run for a while to let it mix in

 

struggling for an answer and last option is draining the tank and dread getting gas in my mouth.

 

If this does not work concerned could be worse

 

 

 

 

[nicklouse]

- when i put in gear she jerks and then stalls

 

you are going to have to elaborate this point. is it clutch drag or some other mechanical issue.

 

you say about second gear why? is it the same in first?

 

your 94 Octane is the Europe 98 Octane (or higher) so in its self  should not be an issue but over time the ethanol in modern fuels may have eaten away at some of the rubber parts in your fuel system.

[Spider]

Sounds like the clutch needs adjusting or the clutch hydraulics need some attention.

[nicklouse]

Sounds like the clutch needs adjusting or the clutch hydraulics need some attention.

TBA that was my first thought.

[postve]

Thank you guys for the feedback as I am new to this awesome little car.  Previous owner had it for 15 years and kept good care of it and certainly possible clutch could be the issue.  a couple of feedback points:

 

• He uses Shell 91 - no ethanol - I used 94 as only thing available at the time;
• Problem is the same in first and second - I shift simply to see if I can move the car forward;
• I am assuming the fact that she idles well the idea of water in gas maybe not an issue?
• Interestingly enough in reverse no jerking or stall whatsoever?

[slidehammer]

If it started straight after a fuel fill up, that has got to be top on the list of things to try. Bypass the petrol in the tank and rig up a temporary feed from a petrol can (or even just fill the float bowls and see if there is an improvement.

[Spider]

Sorry, but I can't see the fuel itself having much to do with this, I just think that a coincidence.

[cal844]

I agree with you MS

I suspect an air leak or possibly detritus in the fuel supply pipes

Weak fuel hose/filter(which collapses under load)?

[1984mini25]

Unless the level of the fuel in the tank before filling up was extremely low or close to empty, and in running the tank so low its allowed any dirt that would have been floating around to now be sucked up the fuel lines. Blocking any fitters (not fitted as standard on carb minis) the jet in the carb or float valve. So it’ll idle and rev fine, but underload/pulling away the carb can’t deliver enough fuel.

[postve]

Guys I am sorry for not closing this off as away on business for months - problem was the float in the SU was broken - replaced and problem solved!!

Just fixed it a month ago - thx for all the advise

[pete l]

Better late than never

 

I hate unfinished threads.