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Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:41 pm

How does a rough, really rough, with jarring and bouncing, ride affect the performance of an air cooled? For example, someone told me that I sould have a mechanical distributor on my Imp because the electronic can't handle the rough going. True? What other issues, other than things getting loose?

Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:52 pm

belchos wrote: For example, someone told me that I sould have a mechanical distributor on my Imp because the electronic can't handle the rough going.

Sounds like there are thousands of modules out there that should be dead... Funny they keep on working....

Actually electronic modules are pretty well encased in epoxy like materials, there is noting to vibrate loose except mounting screw (same issue with points),.... Worst thing you can do to electronic modules is wire them up backwards.... Reverse polarity will kill them is seconds.......

Dale

Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:57 pm

Ive got a pertronix and have had no problems.
I dont think there would be much of in issue whether you have a mechanical or a vacumm advanced dizzy.
If you have a stock carb you might want to be careful on rocky terrain. I think you can slip a hose over the tube down the middle of the carb and prevent gas from flooding the bowl.
I Have not done it though so not exactly sure how well it works.

Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:59 pm

Sounds logical. I have not been able to keep an Imp with a 67 in it running well. It started when it was idling in the desert while we were getting ready to hunt chukars. The rpms dropped and we could climb small hills only by floorboarding it and keeping it there. Otherwise it would stall. Several mechanics, new fuel tank, new carb, other bs later, it is hardly running now. Low power and backfires.

Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:02 pm

Sounds like you should perform a full service of the engine, adjust valves, adjust carb, adjust timing ETC... Does it run good on the street?

Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:05 pm

The last mechanic advanced the timing and cleaned a bunch of gunk under the throttle pedal and it ran fairly well until it got hot and then the same old thing started. It does seem to be related to heat/time. Last winter it started while we were running across the desert in snow and I had to keep it floorboarded to keep it running. When we stopped it wouldn't start. I could go on and on. New plug wires, fuel filters, plugs, etc.. Plugs get oily and black. I'm starting to cry.

Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:08 pm

Nicksan wrote: Sounds like you should perform a full service of the engine, adjust valves, adjust carb, adjust timing ETC... Does it run good on the street?

Everything but adjusting carb.

Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:56 am

I love points :twisted: ...not

Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:09 am

belchos wrote: . Plugs get oily and black. I'm starting to cry.

Ummm.... Sounds like a winter tear down and at least replace rings.... Usually oil fouled plugs is a motor crying for overhaul...

If mechanic can not get it to run correctly, he is not your mechanic.... He is just a parts swapper hoping to find fix at random....

Suggest you do a leakdown test or compression test to start with to analyze what shape motor is in.....

Dale

Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:31 am

No parts touch in the electronic point replacement. No shaft wear, no contacts to adjust or clean, nothing to physically break. The rubber boot came off my wires leading into the distributor. The whole thing was filled with dirt, dust, and sand... no effect on performance. I just happened to notice the grommet was gone.

Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:03 pm

OK. I pulled it out, took off the fan and put it in the back of my pickup. I wasn't sure I could still pick one up, but my wife pulled the jack out from under it before I could decide on my own. Why do wives always do sh-t like that? Anyway, I am taking it to school (local JC and auto machinist class) and tearing it down to the crank. I'll keep you posted. Lots of volcanic dirt and oil so far. :)

Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:17 am

belchos wrote: OK. I pulled it out, took off the fan and put it in the back of my pickup. I wasn't sure I could still pick one up, but my wife pulled the jack out from under it before I could decide on my own. Why do wives always do sh-t like that? Anyway, I am taking it to school (local JC and auto machinist class) and tearing it down to the crank. I'll keep you posted. Lots of volcanic dirt and oil so far. :)

Wives seem to think paying bills for keeping house warm/cool, food on table, diapers on kids, gas in daily driver, warm clothes in winter are more important than our toys.......

Dale