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Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 9:46 am
by John-B
My dart engine is running superbly. I went for a run this morning and when I returned I revved the car on the drive to about 5000rpm and then noticed a lot of dirt on the ground. No smoke came out, just a trail of dirt, from both pipes but a little more from the left. The tail pipes are surprisingly clean, just a hint of dry soot inside.

The car had had a fast run for a short time and there wasn't any popping, all very smooth. The car pulls well in any gear and I'm reluctant to weaken the mixture as the car runs so well.

The car did need a bit of choke when leaving home on a chilly morning with a cold engine which shows that the car can't be running too rich.

Could it be just getting rid of dirt held in the silencers, or directly from the cylinders?

The car has done only about 5000 miles since an engine rebuild by Phil Glennerster.

I have in the past tried raising the external carb needle 1/16" to check richness but couldn't notice any difference with such a small movement.

Any thoughts?

Re: Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 10:09 am
by A.N.Other
I’m glad your not my neighbour, I wouldn’t appreciate you revving up early on a Sunday morning.
That said I wouldn’t be worried about the crud. Infrequent running and relatively low mileage tends to cause that sort of thing to happen. Heating up and cooling down causes the debris to stick then loosen off and then blow out. If the car is running as well as you say then it will be fine.

Re: Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 10:56 am
by John-B
Thanks for that. When I got the car back from Phil Glennerster several years ago I thought it might be running a bit rich so I did weaken the mixture a tiny amount, but haven't adjusted it since. It's true the car only has short runs once a week of about 15 miles unless I take it to a show.

Re: Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 8:34 pm
by grahamemmett
John! Come to Spa next year - that'll blow away those cobwebs and it's a marvellous jaunt.

Re: Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 7:18 pm
by classiclife
When are the dates usually confirmed for that, Graham ?? Not seen them published yet, other than provisional 15th-18th May 2020.

Regards.

Richard.

Re: Dart spitting out dirt from exhaust

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:14 pm
by soaringace
I think those provisional dates are likely to be confirmed but probably not until late October to early November if this year is a guide.

We certainly spoke to the organisers at last year’s NEC Classic Motor Show.

Alan