I have a H reg (89) Rover 214 which has done 60,000 miles. It suddenly (over about 5~6 miles) has developed a missfire, initially very slight but progressively worsening until the engine developed no power at all. The engine will start of cranked but will only run for any time at about 3000 rpm. On idle it will die.
The plugs and exhaust pipe are very sooty. The air and fuel filters are OK. There is no sign that the head gasket has failed (the symptoms would support this).
In view of the sudden onset of the problem does anyone have any ideas of what may be the problem? The age ofthe car means it would not be economic for a major repair
Mike