djefk
Part of things
Posts: 844
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>I'm tempted to suggest that setting the engine up properly will help economy significantly.
I agree with this - I had an Allegro 1300 with 45k miles on the clock that would regularly return 40mpg from motorway run at 70 - 75mph and all I did to it was make sure it was perfectly in tune, had the accuspark electronic ignition setup as above (I couldn't remember the name before but this is the 20 quid setup I mentioned above), with a Lucas Gold Sports ignition coil (higher output = fatter spark = more efficiency etc.) and all new consumables, also as mentioned above. I also ran it with slightly higher tyre pressures than standard (32psi front, 30psi rear) It all helps!
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I'm about as good with a spanner as a three-legged Yak in the Grand National, but if this was me I'd look at what is there already.
A good rolling road tune could work wonders and it'll give you an idea if the engine is actually up to scratch before you start trying to get more out of it - say it adds 7 or 8 bhp and I bet you'll notice the difference.
You say it's finally running right, so why mess with it and especially as it's your only car? Seen far too many "simple jobs" park a car indefinitely when things don't quite work out.
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I tend to agree with Seth, points ignitions aren't evil. They worked fine when the cars were new! Provided that your distributor is in good condition and you check/adjust the points regularly then they should be fine. With my VWs I only ever checked points at every second service, so about 6,000 miles and even then I usually didn't have to touch them, just take a quick look and measure that the gaps are still within spec.
As others have said, if your carburettor leaks and you doubt the condition of your ignition parts, then give it a full complement of service items and you will probably be surprised by the improvements. I would suggest to put a rebuild kit through the carb, a new set of points and check your plugs and leads.
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Paraphrase: Nothing wrong with points and condensor I agree. However, the quality of points and condensors available from most motor factors over here (I imagine the same for you in Aus?) is horrendous. You normally get lumbered with some Intermotor stuff that's of such poor quality that you can never get it set up quite right. If there's a £20 solution then it seems wise to consider it, whether it's finding a supplier of decent points and condensors, fitting a dizzy from a later car with electronic ignition (if applicable) or an aftermarket electronic conversion. I've picked up a couple good tips from this thread. A lot of what has been suggested is quite applicable to my Fez as well. Thanks guys
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...proper medallion man chest wig motoring.
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bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
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I have no issues with points ignition in theory. Its as Ben says 2 out of 3 sets of points or condensors are curse word from the shelf these days. The car is running fairly new ignition components (less than a year old) as they where all changed trying to get the curse word to run last year.
To be honest I think a lot of the wanting to upgrade it is simply not trusting the car fully. Maybe just maybe it will be reliable now all the works been done.
On the last tank full she averaged 46.6mpg and has started bang on every time. The question is when your car is possesed by evil spirits how long this will last ;D
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Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44 1974 VW Beetle 1303s 1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV 1988 VW LT45 Beavertail 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 1959 Fordson Dexta
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Seth
South East
MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi
Posts: 15,543
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On the last tank full she averaged 46.6mpg and has started bang on every time. The question is when your car is possesed by evil spirits how long this will last ;D Sounds to me like you don't need to mess with anything.
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Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable.
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I'd have to say your motor seams to be running ok, could be a case of don't fix what's not broke. If you want more mpg then make the car lighter and always check the tyre presures, tyres can make a difference found michelins gave better mpg then avon's but avon gripped better Contactless ignition is good because the spark is constant where points can slowly deteriorate with out you noticing until one day the thing wont start, but an ignition system is only as good as it's coil so fit a good quality coil and ignition lead set. Air filter a dirty airfilter will strangle an engine, some find the aftermarket air filters give better mpg.
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bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
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The airfilter on these is a oil soaked gauze element so is probably the original as it just gets cleaned out now and again
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Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44 1974 VW Beetle 1303s 1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV 1988 VW LT45 Beavertail 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 1959 Fordson Dexta
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