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Cylinders 1 and 3 (edit) aren't working. I have a good spark but the idle speed doesn't change when I remove the leads from the distributor cap. I've changed the spark plug in 3 to a new one. No change. Then put the removed plug from 3 into No 1. The problem didn't follow. I've also cleaned the idle jets. I think the compression/rings have gone. I've also changed the rotor arm. Tighten down the generator stand. It was the cause of the oil leak. The cap was on firm and I cleaned all the points. The distributor body didn't move.
It's a recovery.
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Last edited by neilbardsley on Fri Apr 24, 2026 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
“A REMINDER. I would be grateful if those members who have borrowed bits from me in emergencies (e.g starter motor, oil cooler, etc) would return them and/or contact me”. – Chris Turner RIP
If you can, get a compression check and, ideally, a leak-down test done. If the problem is on one pair of cylinders, it could be pulled head studs or, as it's running hot, partial seizure which could have damaged the rings. That would account for the smoke...maybe.
Really sorry to read this Neil. Did the colour of the plugs from cylinders 3 & 4 differ from 1 & 2? Wonder if 3 & 4 were running hot. Maybe a lean mixture on one side?? A quick compression test to compare all cylinders would help identify what's going on too. Good luck . Cheers
Unfortunately, no chance of a leak down or compression test in a small garage on the Croatian seaside. They were very good but just did basic servicing and tyres. Lots of smoke on my final start. Maybe an inlet leak but why on both sides?
Really gutted and disappointed. The car started and ran great but the bolts on the generator stand were very loose so the engine was vibrating.
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“A REMINDER. I would be grateful if those members who have borrowed bits from me in emergencies (e.g starter motor, oil cooler, etc) would return them and/or contact me”. – Chris Turner RIP
I’d be looking at what’s common to that side of the engine. If the fuel supply (either into or out of) the carb on that side has gone off (either lean or rich) it would do it.
Agree with Gary’s comments, to be struggling on cyls 3 & 4 I’d be looking at something that could affect both, seems extremely unlikely that you’d lose compression rings on both at the same time.
First thought was blocked idle jet but sounds like you’ve checked that already. Have you soaked them in carb cleaner? Even the tiniest bit of crap can cause issues.
Has the fuel line going to that side collapsed, split or got something stuck in it? If the fuel is being restricted the mix will be too lean on that side which will cause it to run hot. If cyl 1 & 2 are running ok they’ll be dragging the others along for the ride but with an A/F mix that’s way off.
Also worth popping the top off the carbs and checking if your floats are intact, it’s possible high ethanol content fuel may have caused them to puncture meaning they won’t shut off. Excess fuel could be responsible for additional smoke but unlikely to make it run hot.
Check the pump diaphragm on that carb is still intact, again it’s possible high ethanol fuel could lead to premature wear here.
First thing i’d do is pull all the plugs and compare to see if they offer any clues.
I removed the fuel filter from just inside the Weber. Could be float related but normally that wouldn't lead to a lean condition. Unfortunately, carb floats was one item I didn't bring.
We passed a lorry on one of the long up hills here and I could hear the note of the engine change. Then it slowly started to run worse and worse.
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“A REMINDER. I would be grateful if those members who have borrowed bits from me in emergencies (e.g starter motor, oil cooler, etc) would return them and/or contact me”. – Chris Turner RIP
Sorry to hear of your troubles Neil. Long shot, but when did you last fill the tank? Dodgy fuel or wrong fuel? I once ended up rebuilding my type 3 engine because I accidentally filled it with Diesel! I was young and probably hungover…
. Cheers
is he getting there. I tried 102 octane in Germany and it certainly didn’t like that!’
