lumpy engine

[Euan]

recently i've found the car to be running very badly as if theres not enough fuel or not enough fuel burning (not sure) cant take it past 4000rpm or get big back fires from the exhaust and it cuts out if i dont keep my foot on the pedal. any1 got any ideas. could this be related to my head gasket being on its way out cheers.
euan.

[Manta Mad]

Check your timing to see if this is OK, also if you have a exhaust CO2 analyser, check the readings to see if your mixture is OK.

[Euan]

ok now its refusing to start. will fire slightly but not catch on if you know what i mean.

[burgessovsalford]

Check to see if all 4 cylinders are firing, prob find its running on 3.

Check the haynes manual in ignition system as it tells u how to check that...

[Euan]

i let it run dry a few nights ago could this be the prob. if so how do i fix this.
cheers

[match]

u let it run dry?

in that case it is likely that some dirt from the tank has got into carb/injector jets. i have had this problem before after running out of juice. just strip down and clean out the carb/ injectors and it should be ok