engine firing on all cylinders??

[eddie.eagles]

Only had my 2L Aircooled 81 westy a month and although they are not known for there power I am unsure if its running on all cylinders. Its not the smoothest when ticking over and I started it today and could hear an electrical 'arcing sound' through the rear nearside vent as if one of the HT leads was not connected properly. I have checked and they seem to be. Can anyone advise the easiest way to check if its running on all cylinders and the HT leads are ok? also recommend the correct sparkplugs and gaps?

Cheers

[mr_clarkson]

the correct sparkplug gap is 0.6 - 0.7 mm

check the leads for any breaks, kniks out of the rubber where it could arc, i found mine had worn through where it was rubbing on the tinware as it passes through!

personally i would take each plug out 1 by one and check for a spark on the plug.

hoipoe this helps
jon

[eddie.eagles]

ah, didn't think of that!! will give it a go. Thankyou!!!!!

[Mushr00m]

With the engine running, pull the HT leads out one at a time, replacing each one
before trying the next.

It'll probably be easier & a lot safer removing the HT leads at the DISTRIBUTER CAP,
because if one is tracing down the outside & gives you a shock you'll easily rip a lot of skin
around the engine side of things with lots in the way.

Make sure you know which lead is from which pot(cylinder) BEFORE you start as well.

[VWCamperfan]

Check it when its dark... You can see the arcing easily then!

[eddie.eagles]

cheers to all. I found that one of the leads had seperated and wasn't firing. So maybe I did the trip to the cotswolds on 3 cylinders!! Bought a new set from GSF £13, fitted and off to rtth. so looking forward to seeing if i have a bit more power!!!!!!!

[eddie.eagles]

new HT leads did the trick! on the way to rtth didnt have to change gear once on the motorway!! In fact at one point i had to ease off back to 60mph as I like it at that speed now!!