[ROVERNET - UK] Re:Rough running SD1

[Robert Thornton]

New variable curve electronic distributor developed primarily for the
SD1 now on the market, see
http://www.123ignition.nl/

Rob 

-----Original Message-----
From: rovernet-bounces at lyris.ccdata.com
[mailto:rovernet-bounces at lyris.ccdata.com] On Behalf Of Robert Heimerl
Sent: Friday, 12 October 2007 2:33 AM
To: rovernet at lyris.ccdata.com
Subject: RE: [ROVERNET - UK] Re:Rough running SD1

Hi Michael,
This recent Rovernet exhange answers my question about why you missed
the "MG's on the Rocks" event in Maryland a couple of weeks ago.  Only
one Rover sedan made it -- a very nice white P6 (French export, LHD)
owned by a gentleman who was expecting both you and Glen to be there,
too.  My own Turmeric SD1 was not up for the trip, either.  Maybe next
year....
On the subject of your engine:  I would add that the gas in mine went
bad quite quickly -- in the space of about three months.  I've been told
that this is due to the higher proportion of ethanol content these days.
It's worth draining/replacing the fuel before investing in another ECU
or a very expensive Lumenition electronic ignition system. 
As for the filters, Dermot has a good point -- he's also suggested
adding another filter between the tank and the fuel pump and has a
recommendation for a widely-used one that fits the larger diameter hoses
in that location.  Yes, the fuel injection is one possibility, but then
there's that aging, overheated electronic ignition.
It's been widely noted that SD1's were frequently found on the roadside
in the UK, even when relatively new.  Since most of those cars were
equipped with carburetors, we could conclude that the LUCAS electronic
ignition system is the most likely source.  Unfortunately, because the
U.S. cars became instant orphans courtesy of British Leyland, most of
them received little if any regular maintenance.  Now, at 27 years of
age, they typically suffer from multiple layers of problems.  My own SD1
is a case study, with fuel, ignition and electrical issues.  [And, no,
Glen and Kent, it doesn't have anything to do with that bright, bold,
Turmeric Yellow that both Michael and I like so much.] Please let us
know when (if?) you manage to pin down a specific cause.  It might help
revive two or three others with similar symptoms.  And let me know if I
can be of any help -- although I've not had the greatest success with my
own car so far. 
I have -- as Dermot suggests -- a Lumenition system/distributor waiting
to be installed.  And, yes, the fuel injectors are another possible
source for this engine's unpredictable, generally poor performance --
much like what you described.  It's not that easy to keep these cars up
and running, despite all the good advice on Rovernet!  
Best of luck to everyone who tries, though.  We deserve a medal of some
sort, perhaps a British Knighthood -- here's to the Royal Order of Rover
Revivers!
Robert Heimerl
Arlington, VA
1980 Rover SD1 (Turmeric)
> Thanks all. A lot of good info.
> 
> J. Michael Lewis
> 
> 
> 1980 SD1 turmeric
> 1980 SD1 aqua
> 
> 
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