Hitchcocks Forum

Hello
I rebuilt my Ensign over summer and only just started using it as reg came through.
However when up to temperature, (after 5-10 mins) The throttle starts to stick and over rev when idling.
When it unsticks, it wont idle well and usually cuts out if left. Then it wont start on kick start until cool.
However if put it gear and push started, will eventually splutter into life. Then back to same problem as before after a couple mins.
Carb has been stripped/cleaned, return spring replaced.
Ideas please?

It sounds like either the carb slide or the carb body itself are badly worn, probably both given the age of the machine. Our Hosts have the carb parts listed but as "Temporarily Unavailable". You might be able to get the carb re-sleeved, Martin Bratby offers this service.

REgards, Mark

It does sound like a worn slide. Also, the "not running when hot" could be the condenser. Worth changing before you look further anyway as they aren't easy to check.

Sounds like you have manifold air leak between carb and engine, This would result in a week mixture causing over reving.

The condenser I replaced with a new old stock Villers type when rebuilding. I could try the original that came with it I suppose. A new gasket used between carb and engine, all seems fine there that I can see.
Thanks so far for help.

Never use new old stock condensors, they can actually deteriorate on the shelf. Lucas used to give strict instructions about temperature and humidity levels for storage of these items (I'm sure Villiers would too,) and of course, you have no idea if these were adhered to! Have you checked slide to body fit on the carb? There should only be slight side to side movement.

REgards, Mark

Well in that case I have no choice but to use the condenser that was fitted as they currently not on the market.
The slide within carb has slight scoring on one side.

There are options for the condencer, it is just that you may have to consider relocating it elsewhere...

I just checked on Villiers Spares and Villiers Services and they both have new condensers which should at least replace the one you have. I think yours would originally have been made by Miller and I'm pretty sure these are no longer available. However, the component itself is very common, it'll just be the mounting points that may be different and that should be easy enough to fix. Scoring on the carb slide doesn't sound good. What is the fit like? There should ideally only be minimal fore and aft movement between body and slide with the slide just off the stop.

REgards, Mark