Cutting out - purge filter

[cess]

It's getting annoying now - the Griff will run (almost) normally, then cut out - from cold or hot - after a minute or two. It won't tick over. The relay on the wiring loom in the footwell ticks rapidly as it cuts out.
After swapping air flow meter, ECU, throttle pot, fuel filter, fuel line, checking temperature senders, checking fuel is there with a clear in line filter and it still doesn't run, I am running out of options. The bible says the carbon filter occasionally needs replacing, and that it may cause these symptoms. Judging by the crud on mine it hasn't been replaced - but has anyone else done it and cured these type of symptoms? How do you know it does need replacing? I'm reluctant to spend another £42 without some hope of a cure.
Hope someone can help. Ta!

[shpub]

If the relay is ticking, have you tried replacing that? The pump will not operate and the car will cut out due to a lack of fuel.

[cess]

Thanks Steve
Managed to sort it - the check on the carbon can purge gismo is to disconnect the pipes to it - if the engine runs better (as mine did) it needs replacing. That was why it was running rich / gassing up
The cutting out was due to the spark from the coil tracking into the wiring loom which runs next to it, and causing the ECU to pack up for a few moments.
New leads, new carbon can and a sorted car!

[gerryfrewin]

As you have just tried every "cutting out" remedy in the book you may be able to help me. I drive a P reg '97 Griff and once warm/hot it cuts out but at the moment only when idling. Any ideas?

[cess]

The way I found a lot of the ignition problems was to get the bonnet up when it is pitch black (easier now that it's getting dark earlier) and look for sparks tracking to earth. Sometimes you hear the cracking sound more than see the spark.
If you are in a club, borrow someone elses coil to check; it's only a 10minute job to change over.
Sounds electrical, but worth checking the plugs to see if the mixture is OK
Good luck
Tony