Having just broken down on M25 for the second time and needing a tow home, I feel its time to take a look at the fuel/ignition system.

I am running a 1300 Mk2 Escort engine as standard, with single side draught Delorto 40 and points and condensor.

The car will hold back and pop through carb when accelerating off the lights, and after a long run on the motorway today at a constant speed of 60mph it felt like it was over fueling as holdiong back, pull over and it revs up out of gear ok, then back to 60mpg again and the same thng happens.

It then gave up the ghost as I thought it was running to weak as it cut out, but then would not start as if it was flooded.

Please adivse. I was looking at going electronic ignition, but also possible fit distributor with out advance/retad as maybe its being frown out by the vacuum from the carb.

Thanks.

Insufficent fuel getting through to float chamber, clogged fuel line or fuel pump or filter or tank not venting.
Also clean out the main jets a check there isn't dirt clogging the float valves.

Check that the auto advance is working properly especially if its a Bosche distributor as retarded ignition will cause all sorts of problems . Check and adjust the valve clearances , often neglected , Check that you are using correct ignition coil if not using a ballast resistor . I broke down on the way to SVA due to carb freezing up symptoms were loss of power similar to over fueling, pulled over to check , the engine revved up OK couldn't find anything wrong and drove on without any problems. Common problem on VWs with carb preheat not working correctly even in mild conditions . Engine generally starts again with no problems

For the sake of a manifold gasket try refitting the original manifold and downdraught carb and give it a long run to establish if reliable. If all works well you should check and clean your side draught carb jects and the operation of it's float valve.

If it's still unreliable with the original carb in place you need to check your fuel pump, coil, distributor and leads.

On a crossflow engine those symptoms can only be from fuel or spark. Eliminate one then the other.

I was thinking maybe its a advance retard issue, as its under accelerating hard from junctions too. Other then that it idles ok, even had dirt on one jet once, but blocked off one venturi and gave the engine full throttle and it cleared out. That did also have the fuel coming out though air filter, but that was about a year back.

Worth going with an electronic distributor and coil etc from a Valencia x flow engine. It cures all the condenser/points problems but make sure the distributor hasnt been messed around with and that you get the coil to match the dizzy. If you do get one I can copy the fitting instructions for you. Just U2U me if you want them.

Having been down the route of a ballsted coil on a non ballested wiring loom, that could be your problem
once the cars starts, does the coil get VERY hot, if so you are putting 12v into a 9v coil, and they dont like it!
When mine was mucking about, the car would drive fine, then suddenly lose power, and idle roughly, and die

30 mins later, would start up fine,

If your tappets were to tight, i dobt you would get the engine to run properly at all, but is worth checking

Fuel delivery could be suspect, are you using the block mounted manuel pump, if so throw it, there crap

ignition, points and condensor, still! i run lumention as per this link, 1000% better than points and condensor !
LUMENITION ELECTRONIC IGNITION | eBay

Steve

I have not checked the coil, as it was the one supplied with the donor car all those years ago (was from a college) so anything possible.

Also on the basis the car has only had local runs, around town its never been pushed that hard.

Looks like I have some things to check out next weekend now.

Thanks.