Okay,
You were all pretty much dead-on with the problem. The dashpot was
empty. The hesitation appears to have been a problem caused by A) the
carbeurator dashpot being empty and B) the white deposits on the plug
tips.
Re: the plugs, the dashpot being empty and consequently the carbeurator
running lean caused the white deposits (I'm assuming at this point),
which caused weak spark, which meant the engine load was more of a
strain, which caused the rpms to drop when the lights were on.
(although, there was no back-fire or misfiring of the engine).
After changing the plugs and filling the damper (per instruction from
Dave Hill and the Bentley manual), the car is running strong again (Just
like a rebuilt engine, which it pretty much is).
I do have one concern. The Stromberg carb was just put on about 3 weeks
ago.
I (the shop) never had to add oil to the old carb with such regularity.
And when I added the oil to this new carb, the oil (20w50 oil) appears
to be seeping out of the pin-hole of the dash-pot cover. I filled the
oil upto 1/4" of the top of the dashpot cover (as directed) and yet the
oil continues to seep out.
(I've had to wipe the oil leaking from the pin hole every time I open
the hood.)
Any ideas?
You know, if it weren't for the help and encouragement I've received
from people on this mailing list, I'd be driving a Neon as my "wheels".
And I don't know what I would do if I had to drive a perfectly reliable,
modern, trouble-free automobile every day.
So, to all of you on the list....Thanks. (I think).
-Terry
And regarding the embarrasment of the cosmetic appearance of my car. I
have to explain that this car is my first love. (I've broken up with
women who've merely suggested I get rid of my LBC. A guy's gotta have
his standards.) Anyhow, as I see a lot of cars that are completely
restored (when I hang around the LBC car shop), I feel like an abusive
car owner by driving a car that looks like it's on it's last trip before
the junk yard. I don't plan on ever entering a concours. I just feel
embarrased to go to a show because I have such great respect for the
marque (sp).
I guess I'd feel a lot more embarrased if I showed-up at a show with the
spitfire on a 2' raised suspension with 16" mags on the rear, neon
plastic windshield wiper blades, a whip antennae, curb feelers, a "crown
air freshener on the dash" and a "BAD BOY" decal on the zip-out window
of the soft top. (My appologies to all of you out there that have
actually made these modifications to your LBCs.)
Anyhow, I guess I can swollow my pride, try not to feel like I'm being
looked down upon by "serious" restorationists, and just go to the shows
because I like drooling on your cars and to support the
events/gatherings.
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