Expert: Vern Bullock - 6/22/2009

Question
I have had my Shadow for 16 years.  Has always started on first crank (except when battery is discharged) and run well.  Few weeks ago the car wouldn't start after not being driven for 4 weeks.  Towed it to an "expert" RR mechanic, who said that wires had been chewed.  I suspected mice and indeed found nuts and seed in the engine compartment when I picked it up.  Ignition coil, points, distriputer cap and wires all replaced.  He reset timing and perhaps adjusted carbs. Picked up the car yesterday and noticed that it ran rough, unlike just 6 weeks before.  Mechanic said that the previous settings were "crazy". "Wait for it to warm up, it will be fine." Now it stalls at lights, and won't restart. Even without tapping the pedal I smelled gas when the starter motor cranked. Flooded carbs? (They were rebuilt last NOvember.) Choke stuck?  Leak in air intake or vacuum lines?  Or did the "expert" mess up the timing and carburetters?  Should I tow the car back to him to get it right, or send it 100 miles to my regular RR mechanic, who also owns an operates a 67 Shadow?

Answer
Hi Gary:
Its hard to find a GOOD Rose Royce Mechanic. Many claim to be, but the older Rolls like yours require special care. I suspect the mice may have even chewed through the fuel lines and air intake control lines and more.

I think your local guy has gone all he can do. Take it to the "other" expert. Its always good to get a fresh set of eyes on a problem.

It his opinion as to what is wrong first, then tell him what happen and what was done to fix it. This will give you a good assessment of his knowledge as well as how he plan to go about the repair. Once you guys agree on a plan, then proceed.