First off, Pete checked each spark plug for any signs of differences in cylinders and to make sure the plugs were in a good overall condition. Other than being a bit grubby from yesterday’s lumpy running, they aren’t worn.
The car was then checked for each lead transferring from the distribution cap to the plug, basically checking for a regular start at each plug.
Moving on down the ignition system Pete then checked the timing, the car was rotated by hand to top dead center on number 1 cylinder, the distribution cap was removed and showed the the rotor arm wasn’t quite where it would be expected to sit, so Pete slackened the retaining bolt and attempted to adjust the static timing, unfortunately the distributor was seized into its housing and had to be removed from the car to be freed, here we discovered it was missing it’s gasket so we made a replacement, cleaned and degreased the distributor that was rusted into the bezzle that holds it and refitted with new copper grease.
Timing set we still have a lumpy running condition, heading to the opposite side of the engine bay, Pete checked for air leaks around the manifolds and carburettors and found a dramatic drop in rpm when intake cleaner was sprayed around the sealing faces…. New gaskets are required.
