[Healeys] low compression

[Alan Seigrist]

Brad -

Alot of top healey experts here (and normally spot on) but they haven't read
your email completely.  Dave  Porter has a good idea, I would check the fuel
starvation (usually caused by a rusty tank that has sat and collected rust
and crud while the car sat idle, clogging up your fuel system).

Low compression is not your problem.

First things first.  SU carbs are not like your typical Holley or Carter
carb when the only adjustment is float level and idle speed.  Just because
you set the float level and had Joe Curto rebuild them doesn't mean you've
actually tuned the carbs to make the car run.

Ok, now you need to think logically.  You need to tune your car in the
following order:


1) Adjust valve clearances (sounds like you've done that)
2) Check your points to make sure the gap is correct.  Make sure plug gaps
are correct also.
3) Adjust your timing using a strobe
4) Screw down the mixture adjustor screws at least two full turns to
enrichen the mixture.  This should at least keep your car running.
5) Now you can start adjusting your carbs using the standard adjusting
sequence.  Luckily Ed of Just Brits has the procedure online here
http://justbrits.com/Articles/HD8tuning.html
6) Over the next 500 miles you will need to be adjusting your carbs bit by
bit as the engine beds in.


Alan

'52 A90
'53 BN1
'59 Jag Mk IX
'64 BJ8


On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 3:33 AM, Attean Lake Lodge <info at atteanlodge.com>wrote:


> Since I first started my car a couple of weeks ago I have just not been
> able
> to get to run even close to normal, in fact the only way I can keep it
> running
> is to hold the chokes out most all the way. The carbs were rebuilt by Joe
> Cuerto, plenty of fuel to them, proper fuel level in the bowls etc. etc.
> Valve
> and ignition timing dead on. I finally figured it had to be a vacuum
> problem
> so I just did a compression test...very depressing, a low of 100 and high
> of
> 125. The engine was out of the car when I bought it but had been completely
> rebuilt by a reputable guy who told me he did everything right including
> new
> rings, pistons, crank, valves, cam etc., he also had the head planed. Yes,
> I
> checked the clearances and they are fine, I have been able to run the
> engine
> for maybe 7 or 8 minutes at most before it sputters and dies. Did the
> rebuilder screw up or am I missing something here? Any thoughts will be
> much
> appreciated will I load the shotgun.
>
> Brad Holden
> 67 BJ8