Vacuum pipes and performance..

Hi guys, been having some running issues with my poor formel e but I think i'm almost there!

Firstly i've been replacing all of my vacuum pipes and I noticed that the last one to go had previously been crushed under the long spacers that the airbox sits on. I traced it through the bulkhead and into the dash cluster. Anyone know what this is? I've replaced it anyway but was just curious as to what it does? Has a definate effect on the idle when I disconnect it!

Next, I had my carb set up at  a few weeks back but it still seems like the engine is holding back when I accelerate. I know its not a race car but my old 1 litre breadvan was far quicker in comparison! Could this be a mixture problem? The engine also struggles to start in the morning so possibly under fuelling? Seems to be quick to rev but not much power

Finally I was moving some bits and bobs and heard air escaping..when I press down on the pipe in the center of the pic below air escapes. I presume this means its losing vacuum but im not too clued up on brake systems so just wondering if this is normal or not?



Cheers!

alright mate, i too have just got a formel e 1.1, mines the same as yours, you probably have already checked the spark plugs, dizzy, rotor arm ect... the other thing id check is the timing, make sure you timing belt isnt slack, also check or change your fuel filter, there only a few quid. ive replaced plugs, dizzy, rotar arm, leads, fuel filter and still have this problem, so tomoz im guna change the timing belt and double check all the timing, also ive heard people talking about rust/grit in the tank causing running problems! also check the flange between the carb on the manifold these often fail and cause the engine to draw in excess air! ill let you know how i get on with min tommorow!

Hi mate yeah I had timing done when I replaced the solex with a dellorto which also done away with the troublesome rubber carb mount. Might have to take a look in the tank as that's the last thing I can think of. Also changed the filters, fuel pump and pipes. Want to keep it original but really tempted to swap to a 1.3 from a mk2!

Didn't get round to it today, didn't have time to get it on the ramp at work, it's verry annoying isn't it! These engines are ment to be simple to fix!  Haha. Yea I've been looking for a 1.3 engine with a 5 speed box, does yours use a lot of fuel?

Yeah not much to them so less to go wrong you'd think! Getting around 240 miles to a full tank if I drive ultra eco style, as soon as I put my foot down though I drinks it!

Shocking considering these were ment to be Eco cars! I used to get better mpg from my 1.6 cabby!