Bentley S1 problem...

The starter/charging electrics are very straighforward and normal methods may be employed to check and fix.

There's an auto choke which is in two parts. Unlike most chokes with SU carbs, it is a simple choke flap mounted in the trunking above the carbs. There's also a separate mechanical mechanism for the fast idle. I'd say either or both have at least partially seized after standing. Easy job to free, though. Just lubricate all the various pivots.

Other thing to check for with misfiring is the plug leads chafing through where they go into the trunking. And don't forget the coil lead when checking.

Also, if problems are confined to just some adjacent cylinders, remember it uses a twin points system with a three lobe cam, so each set fires its own 3 cylinders. So after setting the points, the timing on each 'bank' needs checking and possibly adjusting - many just can't get their head round how it works, and it's likely to be out.

HTH - it's all from memory, and I sold mine in '71. ;-)

Thanks for the reply much appreciated.

Bit of a electrical dummy I'm afraid, best left to the sparks.

The choke was working ok

All the leads are quite new so I doubt that's the problem.

That might make sense, the two sooty plugs were on the same bank. If I can get the damn thing to turn over again I'll check that.

Don't fancy another one do you? ;o)

I certainly loved mine. One of the main reasons for selling it was the cost of tyres.

Yes please! Arguably the last car that Rolls-Royce made that was the best car in the world at the time.

Whereabouts in the country are you? I may be able to help, either personally or with a suggestion of someone who can.

Email me privately if you prefer - address in sig.

Could well be. It was certainly a delight to own and drive. Never enjoyed driving a Shadow as much - although I never owned one.

It's also a delightful car to work on. Everything properly engineered and in the main designed to be repaired when needed rather than just replaced.

My favourite of the whole lot might be the Chinese eye SIII Mulliner - if you could find a rot free one.

I loved my Shadow, but doing it again I'd definitely go for the Series 1 Cloud/S. All the luxury, none of the weaknesses, and easier to maintain. Actually, I plan to get one when I turn 50 I figure I'll crave something more sedate and less work than the Porsches I have now. Emanuel

Yes. I actually re-conditioned the rear shock absorbers on my S1 - they are the type with two settings electrically controlled. Luckily, Youngs the shock absorber specialists (long since gone) were just up the road from here and very helpful obtaining seals, etc. I had the housing bearings replaced and machined by another local firm.

Try that trick on a Shadow. ;-)