Allegro Club International

[Merlyn Peter]

The only problem I get is a clacking sound - it sounds like an electrical fault where even the CD player temporarily stops working. It is only momentary but causes the car to judder as it turns off. It tends to happen when I am just starting from cold, or around the 40-50mph mark. Any ideas? Someone suggested that it is sparking across the distributor.
MPX
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Merlyn Peter
South London Permaculture
+44(0)7530223360
02032890203

[Paul-V]

If the CD player is cutting out as well as the engine appearing to falter, I would first suggest that you check both main battery connections at each end, especially where the earth lead bolts to the inner wing.

The other possibility could be the ignition switch wiring or the switch itself: do you have any vibration at 40-50mph (e.g. from unbalanced wheels) that is causing the steering column to shake? This would aggravate any faults with the ignition switch.

[Merlyn Peter]

I will do that, but no shaking at speed, quite the opposite. Thanks for the advice.
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Merlyn Peter
South London Permaculture
+44(0)7530223360
02032890203

[Merlyn Peter]

I think my intuitions serve me right. I always thought it was the carb. When I checked it the float chamber had a bit of crap in it. Likewise it was loose and the fuel outlet was a bit leaky. Having cleaned it up and tightened a few things the car sounds beautiful. I am looking forward to giving it a real run in the next day tor two. Likewise I re-tightened the earth to the wing as the rubber injection may have prevented proper contact. MPX

PS. As I had posted this reply to the wrong area you haven't probably read it. Anyhow, since then the car has reverted back, so maybe I should check out the carb again and see whether there is something not quite right.
_________________
Merlyn Peter
South London Permaculture
+44(0)7530223360
02032890203

[Merlyn Peter]

It was the alternator. It finally packed up on me in France but I managed to find a specialist in Chartre (also Orleán) who sold me another on part exchange for 80€. Brilliant! The engine is smoother, the indicator doesn't stick anymore, both registration tail lights go on, even the speedometer has improved. So there we have it. I just need a new door now where someone drove into it.
_________________
Merlyn Peter
South London Permaculture
+44(0)7530223360
02032890203

[Paul-V]

Thanks for the update, Merlyn: it is always good to know the final outcome