'67 Lotus Elan. Suddenly no power

[johnfm]

For the last few days since fitting electronic ignition and servicing carbs, the car has run really well. No popping on overrun, idling well so I think mixture and timing ok. 10deg BTDC static going to 24 BTDC from 2500 rpm to 6500.

Today went for a test drive for 4 miles. For it back to my street and it just suddenly started to falter.

It would start and run - but would stall as soon as I tried to move away 1st .

Really odd - and I cannot figure out if it is fuel or spark.

Will check plugs to see if fouled.

Will try again when engine had cooled.

But really confused.

[johnfm]

Sorted.

The distributor had worked its way a bit loose. Timing had retarded by quite a lot.

Problem solved.

[kev b]

Just a suggestion, check the fuel pump is delivering fuel properly, it could be delivering just enough to let it idle but no more, partially blocked filter or pickup.

Does it run better if you pump the throttle (presuming Webber carbs) or use the choke?

[johnfm]

kev b said:

Just a suggestion, check the fuel pump is delivering fuel properly, it could be delivering just enough to let it idle but no more, partially blocked filter or pickup.

Does it run better if you pump the throttle (presuming Webber carbs) or use the choke?

Kev

It was a static timing issue - the distributor had moved and timing was so retarded that it wouldn't run under load.

[kev b]

Thanks for posting up the resolution, so many threads are left up in the air.

Too often the fault relates to the last time the car was worked on, of course this sort of thing has never happened to me personally..........not that I care to recall anyway.

Well OK, there might have been the time I rested an extremely expensive genuine Lotus factory workshop manual on my roof then drove off at speed and lost it.