Fuel Pump? Carbs? My continuing education at Europa U.

[3929R]

There was a time when I could call my father, describe my car problems, and he'd diagnose it or tell me how to diagnose it.  This was followed by a period of driving newer, problem-free cars.  Dad is 13 years gone and I'm now trying to diagnose his Europa  again.  The TCS starts like a champ, idles fine, backs out of the driveway and drives slowly down the street without issue.  However, when I put the pedal down, blah!  I've got no top-end power at all.  I probably can't get above 40 or 50 mph.

I don't think it's missing or backfiring.  I think the plugs look a bit too black, tending towards carbon fouled.  (I recently switched to hotter plugs and have not rechecked them since switching).  Black plugs can mean too rich but could the engine be too rich at low rpms and fuel starved at high rpms?  I need to check compression.  I was planning to do it last weekend but..... 

I'm wondering if a failing fuel pump could deliver ample fuel at idle but not at higher RPMs?  I see tons of fuel pump discussions on the Knowledge Base leading me to think they commonly fail, but do they always fail 100%?  I have the mechanical pump still.
Or should I look at cleaning and rebuilding the carbs?
Or is it possible for weak spark to allow the engine to idle fine but bog down at higher RPMs?
And any suggestions for further trouble shooting?

As expected Dad's Europa is proving to be a good learning experience.  I wish I had more time for class and homework!  Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions, or derogatory remarks. 

[LotusJoe]

I have found several references that may be helpful

http://www.bmcno.org/tech%20tips/zenith%20stromberg%20tech%20tips.htm

http://youtu.be/L5GveCj3Hck  there are 3 parts to this video.

[YellowS4DHC]

Before you do anything else, I would suggest doing a quick check of the basics, e.g.,   compression, ignition timing, dwell (if you have points), and your air intake for any sort of obstruction.  Mechanical fuel pumps are, generally speaking, very reliable, so I'd definitely suspect carbs if all the other stuff checks out.  But before you tear into your carbs, you should be sure that's where the problem is.

From your description, it sounds like it's running rich so your intuition may be correct. 

Rick

[cal44]

Fuel filter

[Roger]

I agree with Rick - get the basics right first. Remember the old adage - 90% of carburetter problems are ignition - yours could be retarded, or the centrifugal advance may be stuck.
Check the basics with carbs, too - do you have oil in the dashpots?

[LotusJoe]

I agree with Rick - get the basics right first. Remember the old adage - 90% of carburetter problems are ignition - yours could be retarded, or the centrifugal advance may be stuck.
Check the basics with carbs, too - do you have oil in the dashpots?

I'm pretty sure he means your timing could be retarded.
 

[3929R]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I recently replaced the fuel filter, an in-line clear plastic one and see no crud in it.  I will check the compression and timing.  I've been thinking of switching to electronic, so might as well do that now.  I hadn't thought to check the oil in the carbs, but will.

Retarded carbs? Retarded timing? Retarded mechanic? 

Now my big problem, finding the time to work on the car!