Some questions about a 74 Midget that I recently purchased in Phoenix:
- When the ignition is turned to the run position, I hear the expected
fuel pump clicking; but it always keeps clicking (car not running).
My last Midget seemed to pump enough to build pressure or fill the bowls
or ??? and eventually became quiet until some more fuel was needed.
Which is the normal (expected) behavior? Is the 74 not building up
pressure or have some other problem?
- This car runs extremely rough (moved it to Colorado Springs). There is
no power until I reach about 1800-2000 rpm. The engine also does not
seem to want to reach full rpm when sitting in my garage with my foot
on the pedal. One of the carbs needed oil, but it didn't seem to make
a difference. Additionally, it seems to run better at low rpm fully
choked (even when warm); this stikes me as strange since it already is
probably running rich for this altitude. After trying to bring it to
full rpm, I rechecked the carb piston movement -- one of the pistons
no longer dropped all the way down after I lifted it; it was getting
stuck on a small piece which fell down the center (what is this???).
I was able to move that piece around so it was centered again and let
the piston fall back down around it.
Do I swap this carb set with another from one of my parts cars? Or is
this a timing problem (or both)? I haven't dug too far into it yet to
check the timing, points, etc. The plugs were fine (although gapped a
little too much).
- Is static timing acceptable for tuning this car? Or won't it get me
close enough?
- The fuel gauge isn't working. Is this typically a sender or gauge
problem?
- The clutch doesn't totally disengage -- at idle with the clutch pedal
depressed and the car in gear, it will creep forward. Can the slave
cylinder cause this behavior, or do I jump right into a new clutch?
- What is a fair price for a clean, primed body shell from the rust-free
belt? $500, $1000, $????
- Where can I get the following:
ColorTune
New dashboard
New harness for 71 Midget (I can find them for pre-70 and 72+)
I have been away from my Midgets for far too long, so I need some help
getting up to speed again!
Thanks.
(Contrary to the return address or the signature file...)
- John Leier 70711.3456@compuserve.com
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