Can any one help, I have a kit car built with Mk 2 Escort running gear and a 2.0 litre pinto motor. Over the winter I have fitted a pair of dellorto 45's jetted for a 2.0 litre. Now my problems have started, its a pig to start, and when running I can remove plug leads 3 and 4 without making any difference, but I have checked the plugs and they are sparking well. I have been told it could be valve clearance, timing or a combination of both. The strange thing is at around 3000 rpm the mis fire almost goes.

Got any clues ?

 

If 3 and 4 are sparking well, but make no difference to the engine note and are not soaked in fuel it suggests no fuel is getting through, but then it's incredibly hard to figure it running on just 2 cylinders.
I would take off the carb concerned, and check the float isn't stuck, as this will prevent fuel flow.
Ace carbs btw better than webbers imo, what chokes you running 36 38 ?
tabetha

 

I think the chokes are 38, and with regards to the plugs, when they are removed they are soaking wet, so would you have any thoughts on this as it is getting close to the single down draft webber going back on.

 

If plugs are soaking wet then the mix is most likely far too rich to ignite, again can be caused by a stuck float causing flooding, a bit of crap sitting in the float valve housing keeps the float/valve open all the time, either way needs checking, ideally also check the float level is correct.
Dellorto's are ace carbs, and well worth persevering with, I ran 48's and had no bother at all in 2 years, apart from the thirst!!
They tend to stay in tune well normally, struggling to think what one even looks like now, but if they have a accelerator pump I would also check it's diaphragm.
tabetha