From: Barry
Date: 6/12/99
Time: 10:46:48
Remote Name: 194.168.63.94
Actually, the reason I converted to 12 volts was just so I could start my supercharged car when the weather was cold. However , I have since found that neither of my other 2 Austins would start when the petrol was more than 6 months old, yet my 1980 RS2000 would after 18 months. Putting new petrol in the float chambers got them both going. The low compression one would always start before, even on the handle if the battery was flat. The high compression one needed a good battery but would go too. On talking to a friend who works for Esso, he says the poor fuel seals on the tanks let certain volatile additives evaporate on the older cars- hence the poor starting. I have now bought some Easy Start (ether). All my cars have excellent lights, the 12 volt one only has 21 watt (indicator) headlight bulbs, single filament and these are good enough. It has no dynamo fitted and no starting handle can be used. The 6 volt ones have new thick wires and good earths, there is no need to convert to 12 volts if you don't want too.