Major won't idle evenly - surges

Have a 1954 Major in very good shape, but engine won't idle or run evenly. Keeps surging up and down, unless under a good load. I tried adjusting the damper by the Simms pump - but no real difference. Fluids and filters are clear and clean. What is it doing? What can I adjust?
 
If your model has a short pipe (about two inches) or so from the manifold direct into the rocker cover check that it is perfectly clear. Though it is rare if it gets blocked this can sometimes cause your problem MTF
 
Sounds like it is Hunting. have you adjusted the idle screw Figure 65 & fine tune Figure 66 in book. Hunting goes away when acceleration is increased.
 
Yes, symptom is like hunting on a gasoline engine. This is the first time I've worked on a diesel, so will try what you suggested. Thanks.
 
hi david, i've just rebuilt my major engine and had surging' i replaced the pump diaphram as i discovered it was split but still had a problem, however when i checked the two pipes running from the pump diaphram housing to the manifold i found that one had a hole in it where it had been rubbing against the cylinder block-bit of gaffer tape later and its fine! just a thought! (to all those wincing when gaffer tape was mentioned, i will fix it properly soon, honest!)
 
Yes, it feels like air is getting into the system somehow and I had thought of checking those two pipes. Now I definitely will! Thanks for the tip.
 

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