Problem with stuttering out at idle solved!

mrtask

Well-Known Member
So I was under my car changing the motor mounts yesterday when my mate took a glance at what I was doing, and pointed out that one of my exhaust manifold gaskets was not fitted properly.
Doh! :oops::p:mad:
Immediately visible looking up from underneath the car, but when I changed my head gaskets two years ago I'd only been looking from above. I don't want to work out how many thousand miles I've been driving with the one cylinder unable to exhale properly. :oops::p:mad:
Anyway, now it purrs at idle properly without stuttering out, which had been driving me mad looking for the cause of the problem!
 
Live and learn, eh!? Seems I spoke too soon. Whilst my car is now running better than before, the odd intermittent cut-out at idle has, alas, not been banished. Herrumph! :mad::confused::(
I honestly don't know why I fitted the exhaust gaskets, other than that I had a set. Possibly the tubular manifolds the engine was equipped with when I got it had been fitted using gaskets, I don't remember any more.
 
Hmmm, cutting out at idle will be either fuel or spark related. It doesn't do it off idle then? Please remind me Alistair, what type of ignition your Rover runs?

Ron.
 
Hi Ron. At the moment I'm on points and condenser. When he finds time my favourite mechanic will hopefully fit the MSD Street Fire capacitative ignition module I'm currently carting around in the boot. First he's got to revitalise my dead rev counter, which gave up the ghost on Sunday after I clumsily dislodged a wire from the negative side of the coil whilst sorting out that bl**dy exhaust gasket! Sort one problem, create the next!
 
Took a peek inside the dizzy and noticed a substantial amount of black crud had built up on the end of the rotor arm, and on the electrodes inside the dizzy cap. Gave them the copper brush treatment, and hey presto, the idle characteristics and general running seem improved. Mind you, not much traffic on a Sunday morning, the real test will be getting stuck in the next long traffic jam in very hot weather...
 
'Twas the dwell angle. The points had 'closed up' somewhat. The dwell meter showed that another little 'tickle' was required. Hey presto, pulls like a train again, and doesn't conk out so readily when I come to a standstill.
 
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