So, when I start the engine it will die unless I keep the choke on until warm. Also if I rev it a bit it will lose power and backfire with a spluttering sound.

I had a play around with the mixture and idle speed and once warmed up it wasn't too bad but on a cold start it would do the same thing as above. Runs pretty good while driving but when slowing down and coming to a stop it'll stall or run really low on the tacho, go to rev it to keep it going and it loses all power and cuts out.

So today I cleaned the points in the dissy. Also cleaned up inside the distributor cap, put it all back together and set the points gap. At first it wouldn't start and I discovered I must have put the condenser wire on wrong end of the insulator where the low tension wire connects. First question, is the low tension lead and the condenser lead meant to go on first then the insulator then the nut?

Did that and it started up. BUT, when the choke is all the way out it will now only rev to 2500rpm. It idles ok but still does the backfire thing mentioned before.

I'm wondering if I've set the points gap correctly (can someone advise proper method for this?). Also thinking the condenser may need replacing?

Any suggestions as to why its doing this backfire/splutter thing and stalling when coming to a stop?

Ignition timing?

Any help appreciated if you can make sense of all that...

_________________
1977 LEYLAND MINI SUNSHINE 'S'

what is your timing set to ???
what gap did u set the points at ??
are the plug leads on right ??

Not sure what the timing is set to. Points set at 0.015in. Yeah plug leads should be fine. Starting at no. 1 on the distributor in a clockwise direction I have them 1,2,4,3??

_________________
1977 LEYLAND MINI SUNSHINE 'S'

Dizzt rotates anti-clockwise 1342 but yep if you count clockwise yours are correct.

Try another condenser? Been some duds about lately.
and yeah the 2 wires go on first, then the insulator..

_________________
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.

That confirms that, thanks. Any ideas as to why the choke when fully operated would only rev the engine at 2,500?

_________________
1977 LEYLAND MINI SUNSHINE 'S'

Check the piston isn't sticking, that can cause this.

_________________
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.

Why not fit one of my Electronic Ignition Kits and be done with it. No more points and condensers to worry about or adjust.

_________________
DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"