Puglet1

I am going to fit Gates hoses to the Vitesse fuel system. When I removed the fuel tank bung there were small traces of a blue gel like substance on the inner head of the bolt. Any ideas on what this might be? I intend to swill the tank and blow out the fuel pipes but was wondering if this could be a potential cause of the engine losing power when going up hill or trying to accelerate hard? Once the new hose has been fitted throughout I will take a look at the carbs. Any thoughts ? Pete

Thanks to All for your help. It seems like the plate maybe case hardened? Tried to tap a thread in it but couldn’t even scratch the surface. Decided to clamp the plate into position, insert x2 machine screws, cut screw length approx 1mm below the surface of the plate, then reached for the mig welder. Job done!

Pete L , 68vitesse. Thank you both for your help. The threads in the plate are stripped so I’ll try tapping it to M5 and will source a couple of screws to fit.

Thanks johny. That’s brilliant. I’m having trouble opening the files at the moment so will try again later.

Hi johny. That has clarified a few things for me. Yes, I think the threads are stripped. I guess I could try tapping the holes to a 6mm thread after checking the head size of a 6mm countersunk screw. Having a problem finding the workshop manual, any clues? Many thanks. Pete

Hi. I am in the process of replacing the gearshift remote selector shaft bushes. Whilst doing so I noticed something odd about the reverse bulk plate. It is only retained by x1 set screw which passes through the plate into an odd looking nut. Is this correct or should the set screws fix directly into the plate? I also noticed the plate isn’t flat, should the recess be facing the gear lever as shown in the photos? Finally, what type/ what size screw should be fitted?

I guess one of the ways to eliminate this would be to run some fuel from a dummy fuel tank directly to the fuel pump. Many years ago I had a car that demonstrated a similar symptom to the one that you’re experiencing and it was caused by the air release hole in the fuel cap being blocked and creating a vacuum in the fuel supply. Alternatively, to eliminate the vacuum theory, you could just loosen the filler cap before your test drive? Pete S.

Thank you Pete L. That’s very interesting.

Hi trifold, yes, they are set in the lowest position. Thank you. Pete.

Removed the Propshaft today, looks like new U/J’s were fitted by the PO. I also noticed that the front to rear U/J’s were one spline out. Also looked like one of the balance weights had come adrift so took the assembly to Proptech in Kidderminster. Hoping this might cure the vibration 🤞

Did you start the engine or were you able to see oil coming out of the countersunk screw when engine was just cranked over?

It seems that method will save me some work. Thanks.

Pete L. Thank you. I will read up on column adjustment👍 Pete H. Thank you too. I find the Vitesse seats surprisingly comfortable so based on what you’ve said I’ll stick with them! I may consider a 14” wheel if further clearance is needed. Pete S.😀

Do you know if they are lower in the base? I am looking for more clearance between my knees and the steering wheel.

Are MX5 seats lower than the original Vitesse ones? Do they give more clearance between your knees and the steering wheel or just rearward leg room? What is the advantage of fitting them?

Kevin R. Brilliant. Thank you for your comment. I will check to see if the BLOCK is in place 👍.

Thank you Paul. I will assess the Propshaft upon removal and go from there. Pete

Trifold and Pete L. Thank you for your quick response. I will not drive the car until it has been binned.👍

“Just looked under the bonnet, “the spawn of satan” wouldn’t happen to be one of these would it? If so, am I in trouble?

Hi Pete. My wife has just gone through a bunch of old documents that the PO gave us. It looks like he fitted an unleaded head from Rimmers around 2011 . Not sure if this can be identified without removing the head ? so I think definitely no need for an additive. Many thanks. Pete.

Wagger. Based upon PeteL and Your experience with the tank outlet hose -it will be my starting point I shall then systematically go through the suggestions that Everyone else have made. It will be a few days before I can start working on the car but I will give an update as I progress.

All. Thank you for your comments and support, it is much appreciated and will definitely make life a bit easier when I come to identifying the exact cause! 👍

Thanks to All for your helpful comments. We are finally home! The 200 mile journey home took approximately 6hrs. The car ran reasonably ok on a very light throttle but under hard acceleration it would loose power and almost come to a halt. The same could be experienced if trying to hold a steady speed above 50mph. This was particularly noticeable going uphill. In the end we trundled along at 45mph and nursed her home. I guess this is where the gun will start. Feels like fuel starvation but will go through the basics first. The car also has a vibration from the underside above 45mph which I think could be propshaft -again further inspection required. Despite these initial concerns, we are delighted with the car and are looking forward to getting it sorted. No doubt I shall report back after inspecting the car In more detail. Cheers Pete.

johny. Thanks for that. I will try E5 with no additve. Listen for the pinking as described, if concerned add additive to get me home.

Pete L and Josef. Thank you very much for your advice, I have taken it all on board.