i need help with my mini, it wont start, cranks over then backfires with a cloud of black smoke.. ive checked my high tension leads and have spark and made sure they are top dead centre but still no luck have u got any ideas of what be wrong?
the spark plugs are really black and sooty.. they are about 1 week old.. car was running perfect last time i used it.
it was running fine before and i havent changed the timing.
but i havent used the cart in a couple of days, its been sitting there.
could it be running rich?
how do i check if the fuel is coming thru?
i have spent the last couple of hours trying to work out whats wrong. still clueless.

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Is the distributor loose or has it moved??

Pull the distributor cap and look at the condition of the points faces...

check that all the plug leads are sparking to the block....

Clean up the plugs, then try starting it up with the air cleaner removed (to change the mixture temporarily)...any difference???...yes?? could be a fuel, carby, fuel pump problem....

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"Show me the Mini!"

Is the distributor loose or has it moved??
no its all tight, not loose at all. no it hasnt moved i marked it last week.

Pull the distributor cap and look at the condition of the points faces...
they are okay litle bit of white.

check that all the plug leads are sparking to the block....
yes checked that, all work.

Clean up the plugs, then try starting it up with the air cleaner removed (to change the mixture temporarily)...any difference???...yes?? could be a fuel, carby, fuel pump problem....
okay ill try that 2moro, but im thinking its got something to do with running rich.. or i have my spark leads mixed up but i doubt it.

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White!! you normally see bright, shiney new silver, burn't and pitted black when they are old or poor sparking furry black!!

Hmmmm....maybe check your condensor tomorrow as well....by swapping it with another if you have one...

and double check the leads are going to the right place...

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"Show me the Mini!"

Is the dizzy cap damp? Could be crossfiring.. recipe for backfires.
Get out the WD40, spray & wipe inside & out.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i had replaced my condensor last week aswel as my points they should be all fine, but the cap hasnt been touched since i bought it, thats where i noticed the white.. yesterday.
ill try cleaning it out then give it another crank.. but its not flooded or anything, its been stored in my garage.
the high tension leads start from 1 in the top right corner of the diizzy then rotate anti clockwise to 3, 4, 2? thats how i remember it... if im right..

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Yep that's how they go normally..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

okay well after a few hours playing around i finally worked out my problem, the first high tension lead went to the bottom left of the dizzy then 3 ,4 ,2 ant-clock wise and BAM it worked. well good lesson learnt i always say.

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