Running rich?

[Paul Harris]

My P5B has started emitting black smoke, even when idling, along with an overpowering smell of petrol. I'm guessing that this means it is running rich. I've tried reducing the mixture adjusters on the bottom of the carbs incrementally by half a turn, but this hasn't made any difference. Does this point to something more seriously wrong with the engine / carbs / ignition, or would it benefit from a professional tune?

Any advice would be welcomed.

Many thanks

Paul

[Phil Nottingham]

Sounds like its running very rich.

Its nothing serious so do not panic! A good tune will sort it out but if you have the notorious AED fitted its very likely to be this so a conversion to manual choke is called for (see Wadhams)

[Paul Harris]

Thanks for that Phil, it's put my mind at rest. Although the car did originally have an AED fitted, this was removed by a previous owner.

Thanks again

Paul

[Phil Nottingham]

In that case also ensure the the carb pistons move up anf drop down easily - these can get gummed up with oil fume debris and stick.

Check also that the choke cables/linkage is not sticking and both jets are returning to the fully up position whem the choke is pushed in.

Sorry I meant "Cold Start" in Roverspeak

[Kev]

with the price of fuel i would get it running right pretty quick,
unless youve just won the lottery.

Big Kev. ;D

[Paul Harris]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I had noticed that the fuel consumption had increased, and I think I know why now!

Many Thanks

Paul

[dorsetflyer]

It's worth investing in an aerosol can of Carb Cleaner. With the air filter removed together with the elbows it's easy to squirt it into the air intake. It's amazing how quickly it cleans the pistons etc and allows free up and down movement. Failing that it's only three screws to remove the chamber, remove the piston and thoroughly clean them out.