Rover V8 power problems TVR 4L

[z_chromozone]

Hi,

I have a bit of an issue with my V8S. It was SORN for over 5 years while my son was a baby and didn’t really move much, but always started ok and ran fine.

To get it back on the road I fitted new plugs, magnacore leads, rotor arm, dizzy cap and new vacuum advance. I also fitted a new thermostat and did the usual service stuff.

It went through its MOT fine, but the power delivery is now odd and not what it should be. It takes off ok, but then loses the initial burst of acceleration in any gear. I will keep accelerating, just at a slower rate. Before it would just keep going and going. You can pump the throttle to get it to accelerate faster throughout the range. At first I thought it may be the timing advance, hence the new vacuum unit, (it does move the rotor arm when I apply vacuum.)

Now I am thinking some kind of fuelling issue, but what. Any ideas / hints would be appreciated. I have just ordered a fault code reader (Steve Heath’s), btw.


Car is a pre-cat 1992 TVR V8S

[350zwelgje]

Are the sparks strong?
If not, sucking eggs here, further investigation is required on all ignition elements

Next would be to check if the distributor is working correctly, advancing etc.
Perhaps the five years have made the bob-weights sticking and not moving for example.

Rob

[Pumaracing]

Check the output of the fuel pump. You ideally want about 3 pints per minute.

[z_chromozone]

Thanks for the replies, I will check it out.

Z

[v8250]

z_chromozone said:

Thanks for the replies, I will check it out. Z

If you have the original parts you removed, replace them one by one with the new parts. When the fault disappears, there's the answer...new parts are often not built to the same quality as originals. If this doesn't work, and where the car's been sat for some time, check out fuel supply lines, filters and pump...replacing where needed. The other component failure, from your description, is the coil...buy the Bosch 40kv unit and replace...coils have a habit of breaking down under load and the fault often seems to be other ignition or fuel. The V8 is a very simple engine but throws up some spurious faults. Also, give your electrical connections a good inspection and clean. If you really get stuck pm me or have a chat with the guys on the www.v8forum.co.uk

PS note you've replaced your distributor vacuum line, check this is the right ID and that the vacuum line is good quality/not collapsing under advance. The engine would show precisely these symptoms if this was the case, good luck.

Edited by v8250 on Thursday 30th July 15:13

[Sardonicus]

Like mentioned check fuel flow and pressure , i am suspecting a clogged fuel filter however.