Frog Van, Right Spanner

Frog Van, Right Spanner - Part 5

The Frog Van is all back in one piece but it seems having the right spanner just wasn't enough. After cleaning off a year's worth of dust and cob webs from the exterior I took it for a test drive.

It seemed okay at first but the engine power and acceleration was definitely sluggish compared to how I remember it. I managed to get to a service station before running out of fuel (the petrol tank has been sitting on empty for some time after semi regular start ups just to make sure the van still worked).

From there I took it to the other side of town - only a five minute drive at most - but the backfiring problem was back and getting worse. I headed back for home with the backfiring finally getting so bad that it stalled the engine. Fortunately I was at a point where it was easy to pull over.

At this point I was pretty much at a loss for what to do. The backfiring seemed to get worse as the engine got warmer so I decided to remain parked for a while to let the van's engine cool down.

Twenty minutes later I got it started again and spent a little time adjusting the mixture screw on the carburetor - which seemed to help a little. The van still drove sluggishly but the backfiring had settled down a little and I was able to drive it all the way back home.

My knowledge of engines is limited to broad strokes. I know, in a general sense, how they work and I can perform basic repairs but recognizing faults and understanding what causes them - that's a little beyond me. Even with all the information you can find on the internet... and believe me I've researched backfiring engines extensively.

The Frog Van definitely did need the manifold gasket changing. I knew that because a professional mechanic told me the van had a manifold leak - and he was right. After changing the gasket the van did start easier and idled much better to begin with. However fixing the backfiring may need a professional eye (or ear). With any luck a proper tune up and service may be enough to solve the problem.

Unfortunately that will have to wait until I have some funds again.

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TET.Life (The Extraordinary Tourist Life)

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