Defender - rough running under load.

[AJRH]

I live in Bahrain, and have recently bought the above 1991 110. It's a 2.5 petrol.

Typically, it runs very well, however on a couple of occasions, with no apparent cause or change in circumstance, it has chosen to run very roughly under load. (ie will idle fine, but pulling away in 1st or 2nd results in popping and banging until a cruising speed is acheived) This has then reverted back to normal after a couple of days.

I have just been back to the UK where I picked up a replacement dizzy and ignition parts (leads / vacuum pipe etc), as when I left it was playing up. Today it works fine! Does any one have any idea what the issue may be. My only clue is that when the problem appears, it can be eradicated effectively by driving with the choke out - this shouldn't be necessary when the engine is warm in 30'C!

I had a similar problem with my MGB once which turned out to be fouled points, but it wasn't intermittent like this!

[vauxmini]

i had a similar prob with a v8 engine turned out to be the new spark plugs i had fitted a few months before.

do you have a fuel filter fitted it could be bloking up

[AJRH]

I suppose it could be a blocking fuel line or filter - today it died every time I stopped, and then refused to start for several attempts. I have changed the leads, cap and rotor and this hasn't made much difference.