12 replies to this topic

[frankiebateman]

Model: Flame
Year: 1989
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Just got the mini up and running today but its not running right, whenever i put the choke off the engine cuts off. When i try drive / rev it it splutters badly whats the problem ? do i need it alll tuning ? heres a vid so you understand what i mean

[mike.]

Sounds like ignition components. Mine sounded similar when my points failed and wouldn't fire properly.

Is the timing right also?

[Pauly]

Sounds like its running lean, pulling the choke out will give it more fuel so will run better, have a mess with the carb and see if you can get it to run better.

Also what condition are the points in and plugs etc?

Paul.

[frankiebateman]

yeh the timing should be right i dont see how it could of gone wrong erm how do i reset my points ?

[frankiebateman]

Sounds like its running lean, pulling the choke out will give it more fuel so will run better, have a mess with the carb and see if you can get it to run better.

Also what condition are the points in and plugs etc?

Paul.

what bit of the carb ? and i dont realy know i didnt think of that but i have new ones in a box somewhere

[mike.]

Well the only thing to set on the points is the gap. Just need feeler gauges and a screwdriver. I can't remember the gap off the top of my head but its in the haynes. I can't see just the gap creating that much of a misfire though - Mine went like that when i had a faulty condensor on my points.

[frankiebateman]

I think a mechanic told me the gap is something like a rizler and whas a condensor? i had a look inside today and that thing in the middle has a little burn mark on the tip of it could it do with that ?

[mike.]

hmmm thing in the middle - The rotor arm? If the rotor arms really worn out then that could cause a misfire. May aswell replace it and the dizzy cap while your at it - There cheap as chips and should be replaced with any thorough service of an engine.

[frankiebateman]

I have a spare dizzy & cap in my room may aswell replace it then see how it goes

[twiglett]

i had a problem with my engine spluttering when choke was taken off
i found that i had to raise the idle slightly
on the right hand side of the dash pot of the carb above the throttle linkake is a phillips headed screw that is set into the carb.
warm the engine up with choke on then turn the screw clockwise until you notice a change in engine revs, take choke off and see iff this makes a difference,
but only turn the screw a little at a time and slowly so you know what the original setting are

also i think the points gap is about 15 thou
plus check that your plugs are clean because mine were filthy after the choke had been left on for ages.

[just_st3v3n]

is it a flame red you have? if so same like mine it should have a rev counter... check to see what it idles at when you push the choke back in, it should idle around 800-1000 rpm..
check this first: check to see if there is oil in the carburettors dashpot... if theres not it could mean that the needle is sticking causing fuel starvation once you push the choke back in.. so fill that up, not sure exact oil to use in it but i use the same oil that i put into my engine (20/50w) other than that....
the timing may have changed slighlty.. have you checked this with a strobe gun?? it should be set at 8 degrees which i think is the 3rd tooth (incl 1st as a tooth)
have you checked your valve clearances (underneath rocker cover) should be set at 0.30 mm ..
not to sure how to check the points in the distributor anymore as i changed to electric ignition for a few quid
http://www.mm-4x4.co...nsor-2721-p.asp
which means no points, dwell and what not anymore... running a treat with that kit and easy to install too.. heres some more info bout it http://www.theminifo...showtopic=85447
check that all your wire connections arent corroded also.. happened to be a case on mine... (took while to find out)
you can also check your plugs by running the engine and one at a time remove a plug, listen for any change in the engines sound, put it back on, and try the next one.. the engine sound should change slightly when you remove each plug...

dont know what else to think of... was it running normal before?? you didnt adjust the mixture or anything??
im not 100 percent (someone will be after i say it) but if you have white smoke coming from your exhaust your mixture is set to lean i think??

hope some of that helps, good luck finding the problem i know how annoying this can be...

steven

Edited by just_st3v3n, 21 September 2008 - 10:29 PM.

[just_st3v3n]

check that theres no air leaks around the manifold (air hole) carburettor and all the gaskets... a crack in the manifold could also be a cause.... or a bad exhaust?????

im outta brains...

good luck ......

steven