7 replies to this topic

[josh austin mini city e 82]

well here goes, i bought my 1982 city e about 4 weeks ago now, ran sound when i bought it and ran sound for about a week after .. then it all went pair shaped. the car is currently sorn and un-insured so is being stored behind my house and has been for 4 weeks now.
the car; 1982 mini city e, 998cc, hs4 carb, completly standard engine
basicaly i went out to my mini one day it ran fine the next it ran aweful! she runs but does not like idle, starts ok needs choke when cold but starting is ok. when i press the accelerator quickly and hard the engine hesitates alot! alot of the time the revs will stay the same sometimes even drop. the difference is when i gentally apply the accelerator the revs build fine but still sounding rough (in netural) also when the engine is put under load when setting off e.g. starting on a slight hill the engine revs will drop and eventally stall.

all i know so far; spark plugs carbon build up, tried different fuel mixtures-same problem, choke is NOT sticking, dash pot topped up, exhaust blowing, air filter clean, HT leads good, dizzy cap worn (currently buying a new one)

the car was stored for a year before i bought it. since i have had her she has been stored outside as i do not have a garage, also the weather has been s**t as im sure you all know, could this have anything to do with it? like i say one day it ran sweet i must have left it for 3 days (heavy consant rain) came back to run it and it was just running awful.

any help very much appreciated!

[Cooperman]

Impossible to diagnose with the info available.
it could be so many things. You just have to go through everything one item at a time: Points, plugs, coil, ignition wiring, carburation, timing, etc, etc.

[josh austin mini city e 82]

what would you say are the most likely problem/problems?
a few people have mentioned the points and condensor?

[petey81]

take off float bowl check for a blockage by also removing dash pot and check main jet. and blowing through.
if it was me i would check to see if you have a fuel filter, then drain fuel and fill with new stuff.
buy new plugs leads dizzy cap, if you have original dizzy then buy new points. (unless you converted to electronic).
also check carb needle isnt damaged or dirty.

[josh austin mini city e 82]

ok, thanks for the help! just bought a new dizzy cap going to get points and condensor leads and plugs. going to drain the fuel and change the filter also, am i wright in thinking if the car has been in storage for a year or so with the same fuel the fuel will start to basically go off? going to drain it anyway for good meausre. thanks again for the help!

[petey81]

yeah best to drain and clean tank and change filters mate.

[bmcecosse]

If you are constantly starting it and letting it idle on the choke - without ever taking it for a run - the plugs are likely to foul up - and the exhaust will corrode badly. Fit all new ignition parts - and then don't run the engine till you are ready to use the car!

[josh austin mini city e 82]

thanks for the help, much appreciated!
just ordered a new set of points and new condensor, going to get a new fuel filter too then ill drain the fuel