I have a1971 4/4 Competition. Once running she’s very reliable and runs sweetly. Bags of power, very smooth pick up, a delight to drive. Motor is unmodified – a Kent crossflow with Weber carb and Lucas dizzy.
After the car has been standing for a few weeks it takes a lot of cranking till she fires up by which time the battery is beginning to weaken. Once started, it restarts easily.
Two years ago we fitted a new mechanical fuel pump and had the distributor rebuilt. Prior to this, despite the poor condition of the distributor, the car started on the second or third crank even after standing for the winter.
The pump seems to be delivering with adequate pressure, no leaks, and timing seems to be spot on. Plugs are clean and have only run a couple of thousand max. Prior to these problems the car started on the second or third crank even after standing for the winter.
I’m at a loss as to what to try next. Could I bypass the mechanical pump with an electric and see if that makes any difference? But as I’ve said the pump is new and seems to deliver. The advance retard on the distributor was also completely shot and was replaced during the rebuild.
I’d very much appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks!
