Gerry Ahern 366 Posted February 24, 2015 Am just bringing XB 250 back to life. Just replaced most fuel and ignition bits and adjusted carb and timing. Idle is a bit rough. Could vacuum be a problem? Any other clues? Carb is new. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gerg 10,871 Posted February 24, 2015 Yes vacuum is often the culprit but without more info, you could take a guess at 50 different things that are causing it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPArKy_Dave 8,831 Posted February 24, 2015 Was it idling rough, before you replaced things? Remember to keep it as original as possible. All those little things - original Carby, Autolite/Motorcraft Spark Plug leads, alternator - have date codes on them, to match to the build date of the car. Those date codes, will help you tell if things have been replaced in the past. If the original bits are still fitted, (wherever possible) I would rebuild/repair them, rather than replace. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted February 24, 2015 Yeh was rough before. Not many under bonnet bits are original - except the bloody oil.... 2 SPArKy_Dave and Outback Jack reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPArKy_Dave 8,831 Posted February 24, 2015 You'd probably hear the hissing, if there was a major vacuum leak. They're such simple engines, not much to go wrong. Check the vacuum advance diaphragm on the dissy. That can be perished, causing a vacuum leak. Can you post up a pic of the engine bay? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted February 24, 2015 Thanks Dave Will do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bear351c 10,260 Posted February 25, 2015 Squirt a little Aerostart at the base of the carby, inlet manifold, etc....if the engine revs up, it's probably a leaky gasket. Not too much, and not on the ignition system........... 2 wagoon and Outback Jack reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted February 25, 2015 Thanks Bear - will do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted March 3, 2015 An update. Rough idle is not too bad. A mechanic had a look and thought it was just old (mind you, he didn't know how to do timing....). But he was clever enough to spot carby base gasket leak - improved it a bit. Anyway, will leave that for later. While waiting for panel beater, have replaced fuel tank and got rid of all lpg crap. See pics boot, engine. While waiting, started fiddling with some other bits. Cleaned up wheels. I tend to get frustrated at minor things - Temp gauge is reading too cool - gauge works great when earthed so replaced sender - doesn't work at all then (resistance of replacement - supposedly correct model - sender too high) so just put old one back in. Also, the gap between dash pad and lower bit worries me - why has it opened up so far? (don't want to replace pad and gap still there). And idle annoys me - perhaps i am too fussy. Any comments very welcome about problems. One good thing - radio works a treat. http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag97/Gerry_Ahern/IMAG0021_zpsd4md9nch.jpg http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag97/Gerry_Ahern/IMAG0024_zpsfdymtzho.jpg http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag97/Gerry_Ahern/IMAG0023_zpsaxsd1tzr.jpg http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag97/Gerry_Ahern/IMAG0025_zpseks4w1se.jpg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpak addict 1,909 Posted March 3, 2015 As long as the radio works all is good.... LOL You have got to remember the old girls never idle as smooth as modern cars..... You can get them pretty close tho with a bit of effort (and luck)..... I can understand the little things getting at you.... My ZL has a few of those..... Fixed one today so 1 down lots to go..... 1 Outback Jack reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted March 3, 2015 Thanks tpak. You spend 4 hours out in the yard tearing hair out. Knowing its happening to someone else actually helps. I think you are absolutely right about the idle. 1 Nath reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpak addict 1,909 Posted March 3, 2015 My ZL is the same... checked plugs and regapped, leads tested ok, etc etc even changed the AFM (EFI 4.1) and still its not quite where I would like it to be..... But it runs well, doesn't stall and generally goes pretty hard for what it is.... My BA I just take for granted its running at the lights.... so smooth at idle.... Funny thing tho I just love driving the Lane.... 1 bear351c reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted March 3, 2015 I have a new bmw428 (I don't mean to say that to be a smart arse). I honestly have no interest in driving it. I want to drive the xb. New cars have no character. 4 tpak addict, Thom, bear351c and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpak addict 1,909 Posted March 3, 2015 Wholeheartedly agree.... I could go on about a couple cars I have had years ago that had "character"..... lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Falcman007 100 Posted April 1, 2015 Does this thing have points? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted April 1, 2015 Yeh, changed them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nath 1,975 Posted April 1, 2015 Hows the coupe coming along? Haven't heard from you in a bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry Ahern 366 Posted April 1, 2015 Yeh, haven't done much except rip out the interior for the panel beater. He's picking it up soon to repair rust and paint. So can't really do much. When it gets back will send pics. Thanks for asking. 1 Nath reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nath 1,975 Posted April 1, 2015 Can't wait to see it done... You don't really see many six banger coupes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites