I'm choking to death !!!

[harry1972M]

Anyone got any advice on how to stop engine fumes coming into my 1972 1600M, coupled with the fact that my fuel tank is currently leaking ( see seperate posting for even more help required), this does not make for pleasent driving.

[krispy]

Hi Harry,

Sounds familiar

Check the manifold isn't cracked and sealed properly against the head - if it leaks here then the fumes will come straight through into the cabin via the holes in the bulkhead for the bonnet catch levers. Make sure the exhaust is secured firmly all the way down (especially at the rear end) and put some firegum (think that's what it's called) to fully seal the joints. Install a (double) gearbox gaiter that seals snugly against the gearlever & ensure there's nothing coming through via the hole in the transmission tunnel for the ashtray....

Should help. I had to drive everywhere with my windows down for a couple of years until it all got sorted.....

Kris..
'75 1600M

[mawds]

So that's the answer, then! I thought it was just part of the... erm... "charm".

Are the carbs in tune? - weber DCOE's seem to work in both directions if they're running rich, and hence make the car stink of petrol. And catch fire. My car is running very rich at the min, and I'm worried.

[krispy]

Get it sorted out Mawds!

I had a spit-back with my 40s which promptly ignited the K&Ns. Fortunately I ignored the advice usually given to keep the bonnet shut, popped it open and got the extinguisher out just in time. Now my fuel system is all nice and tight I don't really smell any fumes unless the car is left in the sun for a bit....... or maybe I've just got used to the reek

[glassthorpe]

What crankcase breather system do you have?
My Vixen just had a small filter that vented under the bonnet - this caused a lot of fumes inside the car.
I'd be interested to hear what other people have on their X-flows.
Tim

[mawds]

krispy said:

Get it sorted out Mawds!

Booked in for rolling road this weekend - rebuilt engine (twin-cam), so after 600 miles it's all way off.

Don't worry - had no intention of leaving it like that!

[davidy]

Couple of tricks

1) Get a couple of pieces of old carpet, cut slots in them and glue them to the bulkhead on the interior side over the bonnet release leers

2) Make sure your exhaust pipes are long enough (if they are too short you get staining on the rear of the car). If they are too short fumes can get dragged back into the car through the sunroof and windows

Maybe that will help (or not)

davidy

[krispy]

glassthorpe said:

What crankcase breather system do you have? My Vixen just had a small filter that vented under the bonnet - this caused a lot of fumes inside the car. I'd be interested to hear what other people have on their X-flows. Tim

Pipe from the crankcase into a catchtank mounted just behind the radiator, pipe from the catchtank out behind the NSF wheelarch......

I tried putting a little K&N filter on the catchtank vent, but that got clogged up in about 5 minutes so gave up.

Kris..
'75 1600M

[krispy]

mawds said:

krispy said: Get it sorted out Mawds! Booked in for rolling road this weekend - rebuilt engine (twin-cam), so after 600 miles it's all way off. Don't worry - had no intention of leaving it like that!

Coo, twincam! Is it a Lotus unit or a modern lump?? More info please!

I'll be interested to hear how you got on at the rolling road - had mine done after my engine rebuild 18 months ago and it transformed the car... and it was most interesting to see the exhaust manifold glowing orange

[krispy]

mawds said:

No hijack intended, but since you asked... Lotus twin-cam. Few (minor) tweaks. Tony Law Exhaust (sets off car alarms ). 130+hp @ 5500rpm through 5-speed Ford box. Goes like a bullet. I'll start a new thread when Mr Bogg has worked his magic.

Look forward to it. Was the Twink originally in the car? I seem to remember a Vixen with a factory Lotus unit at Adrian Venn's a couple of years ago....

[mawds]

Sadly, no - went in about mid-90s (although they left telling the DVLA to me). Things worse tonight, though - started it up to head off to NYTVRCC meet - running very rich indeed - flipped the bonnet to take a look - petrol running out of the bottom of both the K&N's (not dripping, running). Switched off. Didn't go. Bad mood. Methinks some phone calls will be made to local garages tomorrow... (just to tweak it back to safety! - leave the finer points until next week)