Quote:
Originally Posted by Mitchelkitman
I guess look at the engine earthing strap, and the earth to the coil pack/mounting. I can understand the line of thought that it may be a compression (ie probably valves) issue, but think if that was the case it would 'backfire'. Going back to basics, we need (albeit controlled) fuel delivery, air delivery and spark to get the bang. If you have fuel, air and spark there will be a bang (not at the correct time if a valve is leaking, but it will happen). Thinking aloud, if (unlikely, but not impossible) inlet valve is stuck shut then there would be no fuel delivery into cylinder, but then is would build up on back of valve and (probably after a short while) cause such a build up in the inlet manifold that it would make the other 3 too rich. Problems such as these are intriguing, as they seem impossible - when the outcome is found we'll all say.... "Oh, of course"  |
Yes Mitchel, yes. The coil pack (being a Ford Escort Zetec one) is supposed to earth itself through it's mounting screws! Eaugghh! Now, I've mounted it lazily using cable ties instead, which works for a while as it earths through all the other HT leads, but the coil is a cheap EuroCarParts one and it starts to break down internally, and the spark weakens. All else being equal (spark plug gaps etc) the first thing that fails is the spark that has to run through the longest HT lead giving a high resistance - in my case, #1 cylinder right at the front of the engine. Obvious really!! ROFL.
I got the idea of tethering the coil with nylon ties from Paul Boyd, 750 Motor Club racing Sports Specials champion. He told me it was fine and I saw it on his immensely beautiful and successful Eclipse racecar with Duratec engine. Now I'm hoping the coil is my last major problem and perhaps I can even reach my ambition to race in Sports Specials myself! The Striker is 480kg dry and could also get aluminium front hubs and calipers to help overcome some of the power deficit.