with electronic ignition systems and they are still in the 85%+ causes
Is that really true ? and if it is then 20-30 years ago what percentage of breakdown cases or running problems were due to carbs or contact breaker ignition systems. ?
That is the figure that is quoted time and time again - over many years.
I have owned several fuel injected classics, some with electronic fuel injection, some like my current one with mechanical injection. Rarely have I had problems with those systems (hoping to god the Saab 99turbo in the driveway isn't listening). When I do experience problems I find the solution particularly with running problems is easier to pinpoint (thanks largely to the diagnostic functions available on most electronic systems)
Very good. Mechanical units are better in my opinion. The nice useful electronic gadget that tells you what's wrong is great... when it's right. More often than not you're told you need a new fuel pump and it's £2k + fitting (if diesel maybe be about the same for petrol).
On the other side we have just tracked down a problem on a friends 20's Bugatti that has had 3 of us running round in circles for weeks, one of which is an expert on the marque.
So what was the problem? If the carbs getting fuel... is there a spark correctly timed - the engine will start! Fuel pump working? [remove and check], carb [check float level], dirt], fit new hose anyway and filter, check for spark at each plug with SP tester. All of that can be checked and replaced in a morning - you can't have been 'running around for weeks'.
I also remember tearing my hair out trying to balance the carbs on my Dad's old XJ12, I'd take on any problem on any fuel injection system than tackle that again :)
XJ12 Zenith Stromberg? - along with SUs they are the simplest carbs to balance either by ear, hiss sound with a narrow pipe or the Gunson flow meter - just by ear one can get a pretty good result. If correct parts are fitted and the carb hasn't been messed about with - there are no problems. If the diaphragm was broken you'll have problems. Webers don't have any problems either, unless they've been messed about with - downdraught ones are prone to the flange 'bowing' (mill or file flat) - channels can get gunged up but an aquablast clears all that out. The only place a Weber can wear is on the valves (air leaks) and can be replaced with teflon seals. With carbs there are so few working parts the only problem you can have is with a meddled one. Bring me your next carb.
Adam - we're being rather hasty. As the saying goes 'There are lies, yet more lies and statistics'. The AA list consists of people who never carry out the weekly and monthly checks in the motorists manual supplied with the car. Some people even forget to put fuel in a vehicle. Can't be bothered to check battery, tyre pressure or look for slow puncture. If they lose their keys they shouldn't be driving anyway - more likely locked in the car - but you can't do that so easily now with electronic keypads. Cooling problems - since transverse engines became the norm with the electric fan, most of the time sit idle until a baking hot summers day... overheat.
That's a ridiculous list - where's the list of stat for responsible road users. Taking that list into account removing; lost keys, tyres, fuel - apart from two the others are related which is often the problem and depends how it's reported if one's making up data. So 6/7 = 0.857 (85.7%) which is what i said.
james