just serviced but lumpy

kevster · Post by **kevster** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:36 pm

I've just serviced my 914 2.0 - new plugs, points, cap, rotor, leads and checked and adjusted tappets.

Trouble is its running a bit rough and lumpy almost as if its running on 3 cylinders but intermittent, also popping a bit too occasionally (new manifold gaskets).

WHen I changed the points I noticed that the points lead was a bit fried and the little plastic clip that holds the points spring in place had actually melted a bit. Im going to change the condenser tomorrow as this is an obvious culprit.

All the old plugs looked ok when they came out - the only thing Im suspicious of now is the carbs (dellortos). The car hasnt been used much in the last 10 years so maybe I should strip the carbs down and give them a good clean out?

One concern is that maybe one of the heads is cracked? What say you fellow ddk'ers

Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:50 pm

Hi,

Apart from your condensor maybe one of the new manifold gaskets is leaking causing one cylinder to run lean, hence the popping and a feeling of a misfire?

Certainly worth cleaning out the carbs and checking everything is set properly and balanced

kevster · Post by **kevster** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:20 pm

I did dump some redex in on the last tank full but it hasnt had a chance to do its stuff yet. I ended up making my own monifold gaskets from proper gasket flexoid card as couldnt get them locally.

If anyone wants some shout as I've got loads! Traced the old knackered ones and used a craft knife. Not sure if I should have used instant gasket as well though to get a better seal?

davidppp · Post by **davidppp** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 9:37 pm

Hello there.

what did youdo with the old fuel in the tank and lines?

i have '"recommissioned" a few cars (!) and have learned the very first thing to do after getting them to basecamp is drop out all the fuel, and oil, blow out the lines, chuck the filters, strip the carbs and fule pump and blow them through, and check the regulator if any is correctly connected and working.

otherwise you are destined to countless hours doing this all over and over again...

Good luck.

Kind regards
David

Robster · Post by **Robster** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:40 am

Hi Kevster,

Does the car run cleanly when you rev the engine above 2000 rpm? If so it could be a blocked idle jet in one of your carbs. As the carbs go onto their main jets, the popping goes away....pull them out and give them a good blast with some compressed air (I find the compressed air cans used for cleaning camera lens from a good photographic shop does the trick..)

If the misfire occurs throughout the rev range, then it is likely to be a vacuum leak, or dodgy plug lead. Try german & swedish, they used to stock the inlet manifold gaskets for type 4 VW engines. The only mod you would need to make to the gaskets would be to create a hole for one of your studs (VW and 1.7/1.8 L engines have 4 studs on inlet, 2.0L 914 has 3 studs.

Good luck!

Best regards
Robster

kevster · Post by **kevster** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:19 pm

it seems that the problem is throughout the rev range but is worse since the service (says alot for my servicing!!).

I havent replaced the condensor yet but I did move the carbs about a bit when servicing so it may have dislodged stuff a bit more. Think I'll take off the carbs and give them a good clean, a couple of the linkage rods need replacing as they have been welded

, I did replace the inline filter.

Thanks for the tips guys - David you make alot of sense re cars that have been standing around for a while. It was driven a few times every year but not enough in my eyes.

Apart from the carbs not much else it can be - just need to check the timing/dwell angle to make sure thats not out and the compression.