You're right about the service sequence.....the issue was that the van was running but idling poorly....most likely due to incorrect valve clearances (sounded very tappety)...as noone had any rocker cover gaskets, to avoid oil leaks on the way home, it was more a case of check for obvious issues and tweak it to suit...no mean feat with too much valve lash! as the valve clearances were off, the timing was also off.....as the timing was off, the idle adjustment then becomes a case of setting it to the 'smoothest idle', to get you home, without pinking... the carb is a generic solex copy, as I recall....these seem to be OK for the money, but will respond better with some vacuum advance at cruising speed. The dizzy was a 009, which can be set up to run OK, but to account for the lack of advance at low revs off idle, people tend to set the mixture richer than necessary, or over egg the pump jet discharge....sooty plugs and lumpy running....so the dizzy gets tweaked to bump up the advance as it seems to idle better.....and so it goes on.....
Thanks for your help at Techenders @vanorak and the advice about vacuum advance dizzys etc. My valve clearances are now sorted (they were, as suggested, Bad!), the timing has been done, and the carburettor set up. I also have a new clutch cable as mine was frayed, cleaned up brakes, and fresh oil. The drive back from the garage just now was a joy! I will upgrade the distributor at some point over the winter, and as I say, any recommendations on brand and source will be appreciated.
Good to hear it... Unless you've ventured into the dark world of engine upgrades, different cams, ignition and carbs, it's usually just small things that stack up....stock vans drive nicely once set up.... as for a vacuum advance dizzy, all the aftermarket ones available from the usual suspects and ebay are essentially the same...Accuspark, Pertronix, Hot Spark, Powerspark etc. all use the same generic Bosch body, with their own version of an electronic module....there are some very nice dutch designed ones made by 1,2,3 Ignition, but these are considerably more expensive... as mentioned by others previously, the rotor arm (and sometimes the cap) supplied with the unit is often average at best....a new old stock Bosch one is a good investment. The vacuum units fitted to aftermarket dizzys are based on the Bosch 034....it's worth trying to find a new old stock one if you can as some people have had issues with the new replacements..... In any case, they're all practically good to go straight from the box, and as they're relatively inexpensive, they're now considered as disposable service items.... it's well worth taking the time to read up on how to remove and refit the baseplate (very easy...a few screws and a 'C' clip), to check that everything is properly lubricated and the springs inside are attached before you fit it to the bus....I've read a few posts where this wasn't the case....
I agree what you did at techenders was to get it running better....which sounds like you did but now its at someones place that knows what they are doing they would be better off doing it in the correct sequence and may find it runs better if they have.. in the future I also would replace my 009 to vac advance, probably electronic aswell.
It certainly was when I drove it home this evening... but I guess the engine probably wasn't dead cold having been worked on and moved around in the garage, so the test will be next time I take it out in the morning; will have to give it a run into work on Friday. There really should be a *fingers crossed* emoticon!!!
