Weirdness

[jr6yam]

The old Chim' has been running a bit rough the last few days
It's kind of holding back, and the idle is rough. Plugged in ECUmate to get fault codes etc
Unfortunately all I'm getting is ECU:error and it says the battery voltage is <7.9 V
I measured the battery @ 12V.
I disconnected the ECU to clear any fault codes and went for a drive; it wasn't running much
better, but there was a strange 'pinging' noise coming from somewhere
For those who can remember their childhood, the noise was like the pop-o-matic dice roller
from the games Frustration and headche; how very apt

[QBee]

Is the starting slower than usual?
Might just be your 100 amp fuse has blown and you are running on battery.
Ignition off, test the voltage at the back of the alternator. should be the 12.x volts you read at the battery. If 0.0, then it's the fuse gone. Located under the chassis, off side, near where the rear arm of the lower front wishbone meets the chassis.

[jr6yam]

Starts fine (I haven't driven it since Tuesday)
Measured at the ciggie lighter (where the ECUmate plugs in) 12V rising to 13.9V with the engine running
So I reckon the 100A fuse is probably OK (it's actually a 125A midi fuse)

[QBee]

Another simple thought - are all your plug leads on fine? I am trying to think of things that can suddenly change. Mine ran rough when the notorious number 8 lead popped off.

[jr6yam]

First thing I checked, as I recently fitted new leads, they all seem firmly attached
It's the popping/pinging noise that concerns me...

[WOO5IE]

did you change rotor arm or dizzy cap as well. If so you could try the originals if you still have them.

The pinging couln't be an HT lead arcing somewhere , just a thought

[jr6yam]

Already put the old rotor arm back on (no difference)
Will try the old cap and leads tomorrow

[blaze_away]

Does it ping only when driving ?

If yes then it's possibly the Speedo trip counter ......not fitted but Mechanism is still there, loads of threads on here

[Jonny cobra]

Just a thought Fuel tank being sucked in ??????

JC

[Pupp]

If there's a voltage drop occurring in the loom somewhere, it might be a relay chattering. If it was the fuel pump or injector circuit relay, that would impact on engine running. Is the noise coming from the passenger footwell?

[jr6yam]

The noise only occurs when driving, it seems to be from outside
I've got some spare relays so I'll try them
Will go for spin round the block with the petrol cap loose

[jr6yam]

Well yesterday was rained off but it gave me time to think..
What had I done lately that could cause running issues?
Split hose and Temp gauge sender replaced; probably not that
HT leads, plugs and dizzy cap replaced, hmmm
Today I put the old cap back on (the new one looked ok, but is a looser fit)
Checking the leads revealed some charring, a split and 3 measuring over 20 Meg Ohms
I cobbled together a set of 8 good leads, and once fitted I had a smooth running motor again
Anyone know where I could get a set of Lucas HT leads?

Oh, and the 'pinging' noise; broken rear ARB bracket on the wishbone. Bugger

[Jonny cobra]

Well Bugger me LOL

JC

[jr6yam]

Jonny cobra said:

Well Bugger me LOL

JC

I'll pass on that if you don't mind!

[Jonny cobra]

Ha Ha Ha