help!

Thinking of buying a Dolomite? Just bought one but don't know what to do next? This forum is specially for you!
Post Reply
Message
Author
charlieluke

help!

#1 Post by charlieluke »

Hi everyone!

I have very minimal knowledge of the workings of my dolomite 1500....I know! I'm trying to learn as I complete small tasks as and when needed.

anyway, I'm looking for advice on what could possibly be wrong as recently she's very temperamental in the mornings. (Not starting at all today)

thanks in advance!
User avatar
SprintMWU773V
TDC Staffs Area Organiser
Posts: 5429
Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2006 2:08 pm
Location: The Old Asylum

Re: help!

#2 Post by SprintMWU773V »

This is pretty basic stuff. Check the obvious things like leads, dizzy cap, points etc. Cold damp mornings will throw up all sorts of challenges for marginal components like this. Also check the operation of the choke and ensure that it is operating on the jets under the carbs.
Mark

1961 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier Sportswagon
1980 Dolomite Sprint project using brand new shell
2009 Mazda MX5 2.0 Sport
2018 Infiniti Q30
Nathan Mwk 627G

Re: help!

#3 Post by Nathan Mwk 627G »

Hi and welcome to the forum,

First thing i would do its to check all the electric side of things, so check the HT leads (make sure there not broken and seated properly), dizzy cap, points (and points gap), Condenser (these are prone to failing) and plugs.

Just make sure everything is clean and your getting a good spark at the points and plugs.

If everything seems OK it could be the coil had gone a knacker, when it was driving was its lumpy (once warm) between 1500-2000 rpm??

it could be as simple as the dizzy cap is damp if the car lives outside.

I'm guessing it will be something as simple as your points and/or condenser, the points gap closes up as the points age and will inventally stop the car running, this is of course your running a standard set up and not electronic ignition!!

I was always told to start with the simple and cheapest parts first and work back, 9 times out of 10 its usually points and/or condenser that courses the problems!!

Let us know how you get on!!

Nathan
Dolly-Nut

Re: help!

#4 Post by Dolly-Nut »

What's the symptoms? Does the engine turn over when you try and start it, or does it click and do nothing etc?
Jon Tilson
Guest contributor
Guest contributor
Posts: 11179
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:45 pm
Location: Middlesex

Re: help!

#5 Post by Jon Tilson »

Have a read of this...

https://www.dollywiki.co.uk/wiki/SU_Carburetor_Tuning

Put some oil the the carb dashpots for a pretty instant transformation...:-)

Jonners
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.
Post Reply