Page 1 of 1
Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 08:40
by davethebus
Brought the bus home yesterday and used it to go down to b&q to get some wood and metal for making the rock and roll seat. It was great to drive it for the first time and get some admiring glances BUT there is a slight problem

The engine runs sweet enough but when pulling away you need to pump the throttle to get it to rev, once on the move it's quite smooth but with an annoying occasional misfire and quite down on power and with a very noticeable misfire when under load. Although I did notice that when on choke it's much better but not perfect.
Aircooled 2ltrcu, Any ideas?
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 09:56
by sarran1955
Hello,
Standard everything.....motor, carb(s), ignition....
A few details and photos will help!!
Cordialement,

Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 19:40
by davethebus
Hi, yes standard everything except the electronic ignition has been swapped for a normal coil and distributor before I purchased the van. I'll get some pics tomorrow if that helps.
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 20:15
by jamesc76
has the fuel been run low ???? how does the fuel filter look???
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 20:37
by davethebus
Yes fuel has deffinately run low, it just managed to splutter into the petrol station on the way there and filter wise i'll check in the morning.
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 20:53
by jamesc76
davethebus wrote:Yes fuel has deffinately run low, it just managed to splutter into the petrol station on the way there and filter wise i'll check in the morning.
Most likely then the filter will be blocked up which will defo effect power!
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 20:55
by billybigspud
Check the timing and vacuum hoses for leaks.
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 07 Apr 2012, 20:57
by davethebus
Hoses are ok, checked them after it did it. I'll have a look at the timing and filter tomorrow. Thanks guys

Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 08 Apr 2012, 20:12
by the jig
I have the same engine and mine used to do this, found out it was the ignition timing control unit thingy or what ever it's called ( screwed on the left hand side of the engine bay as you look in. furthest away from you)
Hope this helps.

Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 09 Apr 2012, 11:08
by faggie
strip the carbs and blow out all the jets with compressed air
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 09 Apr 2012, 16:37
by sarran1955
davethebus wrote:Hi, yes standard everything except the electronic ignition has been swapped for a normal coil and distributor before I purchased the van. I'll get some pics tomorrow if that helps.
SVDA points distributor.
If points, clean and reset, between 0.4 and 0.6 mm gap, if you can do dwell angle, then between 44 and 54 degrees.
If points, carry a spare set, also a condenser.
Cordialement,

Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 10 Apr 2012, 09:29
by davethebus
Thankyou to everyone for your advice. Seeing as it was sunny today I got stuck in to check all the items you suggested. In the end it turned out to be number three spark plug giving up the ghost. Once again thanks to all who replied, it feels good to get over 45mph!

Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 11 Apr 2012, 13:44
by delinkwent
davethebus wrote:In the end it turned out to be number three spark plug giving up the ghost.
but have you established the cause of the failed plug? get a compression test taken sooner rather than later, esp. on number 3, and check your valve adjustment - if it's a new (to you) van, don't assume the hydraulic lifter is still there if you haven't checked, i've just discovered that my new van which should have the hydrualic lifter fitted for valve adjustment had been removed and manual rockers put in

i assume someone was trying to save some money
just a thought. hope all is well for you and your van
cheers, billy
Re: Low power and misfiring under load 2.0cu
Posted: 11 Apr 2012, 13:56
by davethebus
No clues as of yet, lifters and valve clearances are fine. Looks like a faulty plug or someone was a proper butcher when they fitted it as the ceramic was cracked around the base.