15 replies to this topic

[jbs.998]

I know it's been cold lately and the mini has soldiered on through, starting first time shall I add.
It is chucking out some nice black soot from the exhaust which has affected two neighbours front number plates! (good for them when going through speed cameras, lol)

What is the solution to this, I have not long replaced the spark plugs, it has new ht leads. I am going to change the coil and condenser next week.
Could the carb be running too rich, I haven't checked the spark plugs since I put them in, but the old ones were fairly sooty.
I am going to clean the carb out with some carb cleaner, will this sort it out or will I have to get it tuned?

[minilee94]

my mini has it but i got told it because it running rich or something

[leroy26]

yeah its prob just runnung a little rich a tweak on the carb jet nut should help

[dklawson]

First, why are you replacing the coil? If it isn't broken, don't fix it.

I agree that the car may be running rich... but presumably you are using the choke to start the engine when cold. The job of the choke is to make the mixture rich when the engine is cold. This is not a problem. So... what's the fix? Park further away from your neighbor's car.

[jbs.998]

Well the coil looks like it has never been changed, don't think it's the worst thing to do changing it for a new one!

Yes the choke is on in the mornings but shouldn't have too much crap coming from the exhaust.
If you say it's fine then ok great, I have nothing to worry about!

[Gunnsie]

Mine was really bad..... yesterday I changed the plugs, leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm.... it is now running a lot smoother and the amount of soot has reduced but not gone completely. I am going to adjust the mix and possibly change the oil filter and oil.

Chris

[George929]

Well the coil looks like it has never been changed, don't think it's the worst thing to do changing it for a new one!

Yes the choke is on in the mornings but shouldn't have too much crap coming from the exhaust.
If you say it's fine then ok great, I have nothing to worry about!

you dont need to change it. my dad has a series 1 land rover. and he still has the coil that at came out of the factory with in 1953.

[freshairmini]

The coil is the kinda that that either works or doesn't work, no middle ground. If you car starts then don't there's no need!

[dklawson]

Soot on a cold damp morning with the choke on is not at all unheard of. Were it me I would not be concerned about a bit of wet black soot on startup in cool damp weather. However, if it bothers you then by all means do a basic tuneup as suggested above. It will not hurt, may help, and will give you peace of mind that the car is ready to drive.

[Gulfclubby]

The mini just marks its spot, if your neighbor parks up so close to get a share of the soot, he simply parked too close:)

[freshairmini]

Mine does the soot, when the choke is on. It's perfectly fine in this kinda weather.

[jbs.998]

That's all great then.
Might have a slight basic tune up, just to keep peace of mind.
I'm very gratefull for the fact that even in the minus temps we have been having, my car will still start first time!

[hobnob888]

Same problem, i would put it dwn to being to rich too.

[Gunnsie]

Has anyone got a 'How to' for adjusting the fuel air mix on a carb engine at all??

Chris

[dklawson]

Your best method of adjusting the fuel/air mix begins with reading your service (Haynes or Burlen) manual. The second step (if possible) is to make the adjustments "hands on" while someone in the know watches and directs you. There is no substitute for reading and a bit of guidance.

Keep in mind that it is often said that 90% of the problems with SU carbs originate with Lucas electrics. Always perform a complete tune up by setting the valves and adjusting/setting the ignition system before touching the fuel/air mix.