Citroen Specials Club - the club for all lightweight cyclecars

Hello Everybody,

We bought our Lomax last year as I'm a biker and my girlfriend sadly suffers from epilepsy so can't go on the bike with me. 15 years on and we finally got our act together and bought something we can use together, and I must say I'm loving the Lomax. It's pretty standard, 2cv engine with most of the original 2cv bits on it. We have put an electronic ignition on it. I'm technically challenged (polite version) or a mechanical moron (realistic version) so would like a bit of advice if any of you would be kind enough to help? During the really hot spell last year we had a cooling prob. The car would run fine until we stopped but then wouldn't start again until the engine cooled considerably, usually after removing the bonnet for half an hour. I was thinking the answer might be an extra fan (and poss some bonnet vents) that comes on for a few mins after the engine has stopped to help dissipate the heat. Has anyone else come across this prob? How did you overcome it? Also I've been told that the running etc might be improved by upgrading the coil. Again, does anyone have any suggestions as to what type/make of coil is a suitable upgrade? Our windscreen wipers and motor are awful. We think the motor is an old Landy one, does anyone have any ideas about a better motor or system we could use? Finally, in the longer term I'd like to move the handbrake to the floor, has anyone attempted this? Are there any vids or blogs that I could have a look at to see how to go about this?

Thanks to all who take the time to read this, and even more thanks to anyone who can help, I realise that my technical incompetence makes any advice more difficult because it's like trying to explain it to a 3 year old!

Tim Burton

Tim,
I use the dry coil supplied by ECAS that fits the origional 2cv mounts, starting is much better than with old coil.
The CSC also sell a suitable coil.

Jack
Pembleton Super Sport.

Hi Tim
The dry coils are the way to go , if you look in the technical section ,hints and tips there is a lot of
Useful information
Keep on reving
Stevep

Jack and Steve, you a scholars and gents sirs. Thank you ever so much

With the standard heated manifold it is important that the fibre/plastic spacer is fitted between the manifold and the carburettor to prevent heat soaking when stopped. This can result in rapid evaporation of the fuel. Could be worth checking that this is fitted. Our engine, otherwise totally reliable and efficient, tends to be reluctant to start when hot. We have the plastic spacer although we do not have a heated manifold.

We do not have the standard coil but 2 x 6 volt motorcycle ones in series. I have some doubt that changing from the standard coil will fix this problem, although there are other benefits.

Many thanks Vyv, I shall go and check that in the morning. Much appreciated

Many thanks Vyv, I shall go and check that in the morning. Much appreciated

Can you smell petrol after you switch off?
We had problems with the carb flooding after engine had been switched off (easy to see on a Pembleton).
Testing fuel pressure (new mechanical pump) it was 6 psi (should be 3psi) reduced pressure by fitting thicker gasket under pump.
Did 160 miles yesterday now all OK.

Jack

Hello Jack,

Thanks very much. It should be ready to go to the local Citroen chap in a few weeks for it's mot. I'll ask him to check the pressure whist he's there. Glad to hear you got out on such a long run, hope to do a few myself this year.

Many thanks, Tim

Hi Burty
Although not the same problem as yours , Melboy had a tick-over problem , some of the suggestions might also apply to your problem.
In `tech talk` search for Melboy .

I also believe that a slappy tappit is a happy tappit .

Regards