T3 Mad Minutes

[ubik1966]

I have a 1982 Aircooled 2ltr. It is not used during the week, only at weekends. When it is used, without fail, it always splutters and dies at some point unless I rev it high while juggling the clutch and handbrake but even then it might still die. This could happen randomly at any point in the journey but usually only once. After randomly deciding to die and getting these mad minutes out of the way the T3 runs fine and behaves. Apart from using the van every day any techniques to convince the old girl to behave when I take her out? I would love to take the bus on longer journeys but just don't trust it not to let me down. Thanks.

[CovKid]

Too many unknowns to pinpoint.

Check compression
Check timing
Check chokes operate for long enough
Replace fuel filter
Ensure pump actually delivers and isn't failing to keep up (many go electric).
Check plugs and leads and if age in doubt, replace.
Check all hoses fit snugly.
Check for air leaks around carbs. If you spray WD40, idle speed will rise if theres an air leak.

[ubik1966]

Cheers for the advice.
Coil replaced.
Electric fuel pump fitted.
New fuel and air filter
New exhaust and heat transfer units (old exhaust failed the mot)
Carbs being refurbished at the moment along with the distributor shaft.
I am hoping to at least be able to narrow it down and find the problem.

[CovKid]

Just a thought. Minor air leak. Choke compensates for it (running rich) then comes off, mixture goes lean then and it cuts out at the next junction as you come off the throttle. Then a restart and a quick rev and its starting to get hot enough for something to expand and close the gap where the air leak is. Come across it a couple of times in 30 years. Just a thought anyway.