Hi..I'm trying to help out a friend with his early 80's, single SU carbed manual tranny 4 clinder no turbo. Sorry but I don't have the actual year or engine model.

Gas is not an issue....it smells like fuel, even backfired once and black smoke comes out the tail.

Spark appears to be present, I adjusted the worn points and checkd for spark with a spare plug.

The car catches and revs up when the gas is pushed, the engine sounds strong and fine, but as soon as you release the key back from position "3", it faded down in RPM and quits. It's strange, the starter isn't the only thing behind the engine running, it will rev up momentarily when the pedal is pushed down.....but as soon as the key is released to go to position "2"....it fades and dies.

I'm quite mechaqnically inclined, so don't hold back with the explanations....:>

Is there a secret cutout switch in the ignition assembly? Could the alternator be holding out on its electrical supply?

I'm a 700 series feind, these carbed creatures often stump me.....


Thanks for the replies!!!!!!

Josh in Saskatchewan