Author Topic: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over  (Read 55 times)

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Offline lancialulu

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The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« on: October 29, 2026, 03:45:02 PM »
Synopsis:

Changed the weber 36 DCA 5/250 for another that was clean and overhauled (they are a simple carb easy to check all passages etc).

New carb would not run properly. It would start fine from cold but as soon as the engine got any warmth it died (at tick over).

Firstly suspected an air leak at the manifold - brake cleaner increased revs but could have been sucked in as running with no air cleaner (is this the problem....??? running with no air cleaner?)

Removed carb and carefully replaced base gasket and used a smear of silicon refitting the carb. No different.

Put old carb back - same issues would start, rev cleanly but die at tickover even with the throttle stop screwed in.

Closed off all vacuum pipes (servo, distributor, carb water heater valve) - no difference

Measured fuel pressure - seemed a bit random 2-3psi (I have fitted a malpassi fuel regulator in place of the 2 Lancia "regulators" but it could for some reason not regulate). I have linked out the thermoswitch fuel limiting device just in case that was causing something

Did open pipe flow measurement of fuel pump (Bosch original) and got c 125 lph reading, also it read 3bar (only connected to a high pressure gauge nothing else). A Chinese copy which I had on the shelf did twice that.

Decided to buy another Bosch (Chinese copy does not seem to have built in one way valve). Fitted today. Same running issue remains but now I have a controllable pressure at Carb - set to 3psi.

Pulled plugs and they seem ok if a bit white on the central electrode. Checked timing (Valve and ignition both OK)

The auto choke works as it should, and float level is spec

It starts easy from cold, revs well but is splashy when throttle reduces. Just will not tick over - best I can do 1500 but its hardly steady and sometimes dies without warning.

At wits end... Is it the air cleaner???

Offline Ferrit

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2026, 09:04:54 PM »
I would normally say carb all day, but you have swapped it.  It does sound lean doesnt it, until the second choke/acc pump kicks in maybe?
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Pig 3008 EV

Offline lancialulu

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2026, 09:18:06 PM »
I would normally say carb all day, but you have swapped it.  It does sound lean doesnt it, until the second choke/acc pump kicks in maybe?

On the VX the weber 36DCA is a twin choke both operating together i.e. at the same time.... I think it runs fine on the main jets but leans out at tick over meaning it is getting extra air (normally a carb gasket issue but having remade the joint severally and with new gaskets, hylomar, gasket sealant etc....)

It has the feeling of a larger strip down as the super charger system has many more areas it could be dragging air in; but I need to keep the car running to move it around to juggle other work.....

Also would want to strip it down coincident with a belt and water pump change and the broken cam carrier...


Offline stableblock

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #3 on: Today at 07:33:09 AM »
when it dies doe sit restart immediately or does it have to cool down a bit first?  I am thinking there might be a dodgy electrical connection somewhere that is opening when warm and reclosing as things cool a bit.  Probably a nuts idea but you never know.

Offline lancialulu

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #4 on: Today at 07:38:17 AM »
No it restarts immediately although you have to give it throttle as it is hot…..

If I screw the throttle stop right in it with run (not idle) splashy at around 1500rpm.

Its grabbing air from somewhere (all vac lines blocked, the over pressure valve on the manifold is not the culprit eitherj…..

Offline JASPER_40

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #5 on: Today at 09:01:20 AM »
A smoke machine might be worth a go to find any vacuum leaks. It injects smoke under pressure through the intake and it will find any leaks or loose connections.

I have just used mine to track down an issue with my Aircon on the Beta which is all switched via Vacuum lines.

I invested in one a while back and has paid me back very quickly.

Mine is made by Ancel and you can get them on Ebay...just a thought

Cheers,

Steve
Current project in Aus :
1982 Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 (Carb) Aus Delivered
Previously owned in UK:
1984 HPE Volumex
1982 HPE 2000 IE
1979 Coupe 1600

Offline WestonE

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Re: The power of the forum is needed - VX wont tick over
« Reply #6 on: Today at 09:43:44 AM »
This is granny sucking eggs time. Check and block every unused outlet/inlet to the carb. Non need for beauty. Bolts and spare hose will do. Go along all vacuum hose gently flex them looking for cracks. It takes very little extra air to ruin Idle. WD40 or easy start around the carb to manifold engine running for a sudden change of note. If you have a stable 3PSI and it runs with more load and revs your fuel supply is sound.
Do check the distributor under the rotor arm shield for burnt wiring on the pick up and pull back the king lead rubber boot and check you do not have corroded terminals. Make sure the pickup lead has a good positive connection to the amplifier. Squeeze the terminal if needed. Do not tolerate a burnt or corroded distributor cap or rotor or a stiff burnt distributor to amplifier lead. NB Montes like to breakdown thanks to old pick up wires. 
Good luck and if in doubt walk away for a cup of Tea and swearing and you might just notice what was hidden before.