Hi All,
I am having a problem keeping the motor running.
I started it up and it kicked over in a heartbeat. I then drove it out to the street from my garage in my yard.
Here is a list, 2 new batteries, new plugs, all new fuel line and the braided fuel line going from fuel line at the fire wall to the carbs, new fuel pump (2009) and new fuel filter next to the pump. No leaks, new wires, Pertronix, new cap (UK), rotor (UK), good spark to every plug, timing done to TDC at the flywheel line and back (I think it was 2 notches, I have the info in the car and I did it last month), carbs set to 500 RPm and equal sucking with gauge, red ball in center of both. The micrometer on the distr. is in the middle. (Where in the manual is the micrometer settings?)
When I took it to the street, I gave it gas in 1st gear it started moving but not smooth and then 2nd gear and the rpms started dropping and almost stalled, only with the load on or in gear. In neutral all is well, revving as high as I push the accelerator pedal. I had to drive it home 1/2 mile in first gear blowing stop signs so it wouldn't stall out on me as the rain was coming and I had the top down. Once I shifted to 2nd the car started dropping rpms and wouldn't take gas (or should I say rpms up).
I have been repairing and have been an owner of many an E-type since 1965 (I have a 67 OTS now) and a 63 MKII for 12 years. I just can't figure out the XK120 for some reason.
Any suggestions?

Cheers
Jack Miller
1953 XK120DHC

I would think the timing wants rechecking..as I asumme that engine must be timed before tdc..but without looking it up I am not sure.

Sorry to hear about your problems. I experienced similar problems and eventually traced it to some particulate matter that had found its way to the carbs and was restricting fuel flow. The car would be OK until it was put under any sort of load when the fuel supply just couldn't keep up with demand. It would rev pretty freely (not perfectly) in neutral but would begin to stumble at the slightest load.

A damn good clean of the carbs and flushing the fuel system sorted it.

Please let us know how you get on.
Neville