Bedford CA Debonair Won’t Run
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We’ve had our present CA for three months but despite getting it through an MOT, we can’t drive it! Does anyone have any idea what we could try to fix the problem, or know anyone who specialises in these vehicles. Our local garage has given up. We want to be out and about in our Dormobile.
The problem; The engine starts and idles well and if you blip the throttle there’s a nice quick pick up of the revs. However, on the road you can accelerate up to about ten miles an hour and then the revs drop. It doesn’t cut out. It’s as if there’s a sudden partial fuel starvation. There’s also a backfire through the carb.
What’s been done; New coil, leads, plugs, HT caps, points and condenser – a few condensers have been tried, just in case. The timing’s spot on and stays spot on when the engine revs. I’ve cleaned out the Webber carb but didn’t check the float hight because I’ve no idea what it’s supposed to be. There’s a good constant supply of fuel getting to the carb and there’s no water in the petrol, neither is the fuel old. It’s had a new electric fuel pump fitted to replace the previously fitted electric pump. It had the head off two years ago for hardened valve seats so I assume a valve isn’t sticking. According to the bill it also had new valves, guides and springs at this time.
What could it be?
I think you have hit the nail on the head ” It’s as if there’s a sudden partial fuel starvation” – My guess is the main jet in the carb is blocked. To test it I would try (If you are health and safety conscious look away) – Run the van with the cover to the engine off, and the air cleaner off.
Run the van, and with the aid of an assistant, poor about a teaspoon of petrol directly into the carb when it starts to die.
If it picks up for a few seconds, there’s your problem.
Don’t blame me if you set fire to either you/your assistant/or the van !Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I thought it was a carb problem so I took it apart and used an aerosol carb cleaner to spray through the jets and clean the walls of the chambers, but there was no change. We’ve also tried running it from an external fuel supply to rule out any partial blockage from the tank or fuel line.
It must be something fairly simple, surely.
Although the carb has been cleaned out, I have found in the past, that although everything looks normal, the carb can still be at fault.
The only way to conclusively rule out the carb (which I think it is), is to substitute it.
It has to be something simple, the engine is starting and running.Yes, I suppose it must be the carb because it can’t be anything else. Ours has the Webber replacement for the Zenith. I’ve been told that it should have the 34ICH jetted for a 1.6 Pinto. Can anyone confirm that that’s thee right one? My only reservation is that it looks so simple inside, I can’t see what could go wrong as long as nothing’s blocked and the accelerator pump works. I’ve no idea what the float height is supposed to be, though.
Yes, thats the correct one, 1.6 pinto from a cortina, capri or sierra – I have the same on mine, and it does run better then the old leaky zenith
There is one on ebay now
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-CAPRI-CORTINA-MEXICO-PINTO-WEBER-34-ICH-CARB-1600-OHC-NEW-OLD-STOCK-/321229501874?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4acac535b2When you get it running, add one of these as well – Worth the £30 to never be mucking about with points and condenser again !
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