Re: '69 Lightwin 4hp; question on common problems/value
I'm bringing this old thread back from the dead to try and troubleshoot a problem I'm having. I finally got an obstruction out of the block (the old gasket for the water pipe, I think), so it's cooling fine, and just rebuilt the carburetor. The old float was a mess...I think I replaced all the original carb parts. I replaced the head gasket as well. The engine starts fine, runs at mid to high speed very smoothly, and will idle smoothly for about 3-4 minutes...then it'll run on one cylinder for a few seconds and then die completely. Then it'll start right back up if I give it more throttle. If I pump the bulb or bump the choke when it's bogging at idle it'll die right away.
I've got the high speed needle valve adjustment out one full turn from lightly seated, the low speed valve is out 1 1/2 turns, and I've been trying to make adjustments with that, but it ain't workin'. If I try to lean it out, it starves. It seems like it should be running too rich, if anything, based on the choke killing the engine(?).
Things I haven't done yet, and could be the issue(s): fuel pump, inspect points, condenser, plug wires, coils. Other than the fuel pump assembly, those are all obviously things that I'd have to pull the flywheel for, but I will if anyone thinks it'll help.
Sorry, guess that's a bit long winded. Thanks for looking.
EDIT: It could even be something as simple as fouled plugs, but they looked normal a couple of weeks ago. I'll get a couple of new ones tomorrow.
