New Ignition

Having grown tired of trying to get the Lightweight’s ignition system running properly, having replaced the plugs, points condenser and coil, plus overhauling everything else, I bit the bullet and fitted a new 12V ignition system.  It’s disappointing to have to do it, but it’s better the have a slightly altered functional vehicle than a fully original lawn ornament.  The engine is now running pretty well, misfiring slightly only on the over-run when engine braking.  The engine is pretty coked up inside, so a few decent runs may clear any valve seat contamination and cure it, though the possibility of damaged valve seats from a previous owner not using lead-replacement additives is a concern.

I also had another go at the clutch, so now both hydraulic cylinders and the flexible hose between them have been replaced.  That made no difference, so I fitted the piston and stronger spring from a Discovery’s slave cylinder to make sure that the piston is held firmly against the clutch fork push rod, preventing any slack in the system.  That failed to cure the dragging clutch too.  I finally resorted to slipping the clutch in 4th gear with the hand brake applied a few times, for a few seconds only each time, in an attempt to burn or abrade away any contamination that could be causing the clutch plates to stick to each other.  I haven’t driven it since that final attempt, but Helena reported a rattle from the transmission on clutch use (she can’t remember whether it was on disengagement or re-engagement), but that suggests a fault with the clutch plates or release bearing, and if that is the case, it’s no small job to put right.  I’m hoping it’s just the gear lever rattling…