Help! running problems

[murf]

Due to go to Plymouth last weekend, started van ok (1982 1.9 Aircooled) but when I pressed accelerator she kept cutting out and wouldnt start again till she was cold, then the process repeated itself. Got as far as the end of the road at one stage but when I stopped at the junction she cut out again and wouldnt restart for a good half hour.
Mechanic lives down the road and had a look, fuel getting through ok and he reckoned she was losing the spark and thought it was the coil. Replaced that, and the dizzy cap, still same problem.
Just about gave up on the weekend and decided to try again later, this time she ran longer than usual then gave an enormous backfire, like a rifle crack! kept running so being foolhardy set off for Plymouth....got there, and back.
However, started her up today, same problem, another enormous backfire and cut out again....any suggestions most welcome cos its B""""y annoying

murf

[kevtherev]

Air leak..
vac pipes, carb gaskets

[murf]

blimey kev that was quick, thanks for that, as you may have gathered I'm no mechanic but got an enthusiast coming to look at her and would help if we were looking in the right place!

cheers murf

[kevtherev]

spray some carb cleaner over the carb/pipes and see if the engine picks up

[murf]

thanks again kev, local mechanic mentioned is convinced the problem is electrical as shes losing her spark.
I did have new starter motor fitted at the beginning of winter and she hasnt really been out much since, prior to last weekend, any chance this could be involved?


murf

[toomanytoys]

idle stabilisation box (if fitted), below coil.. unplug the 2 plugs and joint together,
Replace the rotor arm.. I have seen a couple of these give similar problems.. when they get hot they go open circuit...