Rough running engine

2

2453kevinowen

Member
Had my 2000 tc back today after having the head done for unleaded,Went for a drive after tea the car judders and will not run without the choke.Checked the leads to make sure they are in the right order,pulled the leads off the plugs all had a good spark expect number one the spark was very weak.
When the engine idles it does not sound to bad but once i accelerate it judders and sounds rough.
Here is a link .
 
If it won't run without choke that indicates that it's running weak, and your clip sounds as though the valve clearances are noisy, so I'd check those. The weak spark on number one needs investigating first. See if that cylinder is actually doing anything by pulling the lead off while it's running. Use elimination by swapping leads and plugs after that.

In order: Check valve clearances, sort weak spark, adjust carbs.
 
The valve clearances need to be checked when the engine is stone cold, ie after it's been left overnight.
 
The garage which did the work is having the car back tomorrow to see if he can sort it out.I will update hopefully tomorrow night.
 
Add a flat on each carb and see if its better. Repeat if necessary. If it doesn't sort it, simply turn it back the number of flats and investigate further.

It'll likely be that or you need a tweak to the timing.
 
Car is now back from the garage pulls like a train carbs have been reset the timing is spot on,He said compression is good and the valves are set as per spec.But still not happy with the tappety noise.What do you think
 
2453kevinowen said:
But still not happy with the tappety noise.
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I wouldn't be happy either. If it was me I wouldn't take their word that the clearances were correct, I'd leave it overnight and check them for myself. If they were set as they should be I'd check that none of the cam retaining caps are cracked, and I'd check the chains and guides while the cam cover was off as well. It shouldn't sound like that, so something is making the noise.
 
harveyp6 said:
I wouldn't be happy either. If it was me I wouldn't take their word that the clearances were correct, I'd leave it overnight and check them for myself. If they were set as they should be I'd check that none of the cam retaining caps are cracked, and I'd check the chains and guides while the cam cover was off as well. It shouldn't sound like that, so something is making the noise.
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I will get someone to check them out at the weekend.Thanks Harvey
 
If you do any repairs yourself it should be within your abilities to at least check them yourself, that way you're not relying on other people. Adjusting them is another matter, and I wouldn't recommend getting involved in that unless you're certain you're competent to do it, should you find that the clearances are set too wide, which is what I think you're going to find.
 
Does anybody know a garage in my area or someone in the club who can do the valves for me.
I live near Abergele North Wales LL22
 
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Probably a bit far for you, but I had the seats of mine recut by Ty Crwn garage in Gaerwen on Anglesey. I'd trust them to do a decent job on shimming them up, though I did that bit myself. The owner also owns the nearby car museum so does have an affinity with older vehicles.
 
Jeez that is shocking, sounds even worse than before! If the clearances were OK I would be suspecting little end or other piston problems but to my ear its all lifter and tappet noise.
 
I had time to work on the car today,
I did the timing and set up the carbs both were out
I also took up the slack on the timing chain running much quieter now.
Another garage (which were recommended) checked the valve clearances
said they need to be adjusted but will be safe to drive the car until he has the time to do them in the next week or so.
I will post a video after the valves have been done.
 
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Looks a huge improvement already. I'm sure once the valves are set correctly you'll be very happy with her. So the rattling was the timing chain? Did the mechanic forget to reset the tensioner after working on her?
 
sdibbers said:
Looks a huge improvement already. I'm sure once the valves are set correctly you'll be very happy with her. So the rattling was the timing chain? Did the mechanic forget to reset the tensioner after working on her?
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Sounds quieter after resetting the timing chain,But the biggest difference was after doing the carbs now ticking over nicely no more rattling and lumpiness and running on after switching the engine off.
I went to the national rally at raf cosford yesterday around 200 miles with no issues
I was told the tappet noise will decrease with milage by a well known p6 mechanic,it is definitely getting quieter the more I use it.
Just waiting for valve clearances to be done now, by the recommended garage
I will be glad when it's sorted
 
Good luck. Nothing worse than having your car running badly. Plays on your mind and spoils your enjoyment. You have my sympathies - particularly after you have spent money trying to make it better! Hope it continues to improve for you and you get back to happy motoring.
 
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