my engine does not run well on tickover

[John Mason]

I think I have finally solved the problem of my engine pulsing on tick over and poor running. After fitting  a new aluminium washer of the correct thickness under the needle valve on the carburettor the engine ran better with no flat spot but still sort of pulsed on tick over.  Thinking things over I wondered if the timing may be slightly out so I marked it’s current position with a dab of paint so I could move it back if there was no improvement when moved. On slackening the clamp bolt a little (just enough to move it.) the engine stopped and would not restart. As I had only touched the distributor when it stopped investigation proved the low tension screw although the low tension lead terminal was tight the nut holding it tight to the strip of metal between points and condenser was a little loose. Re tighten and all is well good tick over and running. Engine vibration must have been making a intermittent connection.

Thanks for all the help and advice given.
John Mason.