1985 Ford Escort Mk3 - 1.1 Popular -9 years & 30k miles later!

[CrapCarNerd]

Today I had a quick look the Ignition system. I change the Distributor Cap + Rotor Arm and checked the points Gap which seemed like they might be slightly too snug. I didnt alter them yet as I'm trying not to do too much and end up with a non running car. Last time I swapped the cap I learned that mistake by getting the leads 1 out of sync 😂 I did notice the king lead and one of the plugs had some white fur/corosion on them so I think maybe they need a bit of lube on them or something?

I took all the plugs out, cleaned them and checked the Gap. Put them back in and went for a spin up to temp. I must admit I did turn it off and drive down the road a bit before pulling out number 4. Looks a bit sooty but hopefully all good?
 

I did notice on my drive its probably even more joggy now mainly on light acceleration but seemed a nicer idle at first. If you floor it is seems ok I guess although I've not really gone far enough to test this.

I thought I'd come back and change the condenser as a test and also check the timing. Not having much luck with the screw holding the condenser on though. Its stuck solid and after a few goes of penetrating oil and a long extension to try and get a good purchase on it... it wont budge so this is all I've gotten up to. Also when I through the Timing light on their I think it was reading 10 degrees of retard on there so I need to check where this is at properly before I change anything.

Heres the troublesome screw (no idea how to flip this pic around)

The only other thing I can think of is its not getting enough fuel. The Fuel filter I recently swapped as the last one wasn't great still doesnt fill up that much so I'm wondering if its getting starved a bit? When I first put this one it filled right but now its as you see. This photo is while the car is running. 

Again this could all be the carb as the VV is know for not being a good unit. I just want to rule everything out before I spend some money on one. I've been offered another weber unit for £150 but I might have to move fast with all these tests in case it goes. Its also money I dont really want to spend right now so wouldnt want to buy it and there be no difference.