[TR] Missing on a hill, was Sticking Valves?

[Jim Muller]

On 19 Sep 2009 at 9:32, Michael Lang wrote:

> When I climb one particularly long hill at about
> 65mph, the engine starts missing on one cylinder

Sorry, I can't help with the sticking valve theory.  I have a 
different story about sputtering while climbing hills.  My Fiat 124 
had a twin-cam, cross-flow alumin(i)um head.  The plugs were set 
vertically and recessed in wells running right down the center of the 
head.  The cam covers were prone to leak oil, some of which would 
collect in the plug wells.  Well, one time the radiator cap started 
spraying water slightly, or maybe it was a pinhole leak in a hose, I 
forget.  Anyway, some water collected in the plug wells too.  It 
didn't matter much until I started going up a steep hill.  Then if 
any were full enough the angle would let the water contact the plug 
tip and short it out.  It took me a trip or two to figure out what 
was causing it, then another trip or two to find the water source.

With regards electronic dizzies, my Spitfire has the Lucas CEI 
ignition.  It has run like a champ for 20 years.  The timing never 
moves.  Its only problems were when the mounting bolts and the 
connector got corroded.  And then when the engine was rebuilt the 
guys couldn't get it started so they replaced the GM module in the 
control box, it apparently have gone bad some time during their 
rebuild.  Otherwise, it just runs.  And it's a Lucas yet!  Even if it 
does have a GM module inside.

-- 
Jim Muller
jimmuller at rcn.com
'80 Spitfire, '70 GT6+