Solex carb repair 2.0l 1980 Aircooled petrol CU

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Hi,

Bit of a strange one this but our van has twin solex standard set up and when tightening the starter motor bolt in the engine bay today and then putting then airbox back on etc I noticed that the left hand (near side) carb has a rough triangle shaped notch missing out of the throttle flap!!? What the blithering heck

I refurbed the carbs not that many miles ago (new gaskets, clean out, etc) and would have surely noticed this. I can't see how anything could have damaged it during operation so my only explanation is that the van went for some work and a bit of a service recently with a guy I have used for a few bits before and it was running rough and he said they had done some tweaks and it was running better now. I can therefore only assume this might be something those muppets might have done to get the van / carbs running better? I have only driven the van a mile since the work was done.

Does this sound like something someone would do to improve running? I noticed when cold the throttle flap is closed on the left hand carb (albeit with the aforementioned hole in the flap) but open on the right side carb.

It clearly doesn't look right.

Does anyone know if you can get these flaps replaced?

Many thanks,

Chris

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Can you put up some photos please..

If the notch is in the top flap (butterfly), then that is the choke..which should be automatic..

and no notch...

This may help..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=najLc9GlLJ0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cordialement,

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Hi,

Yes, I'll take a pic at the weekend then post up...

Thanks,

Chris

[MartinR]

Hi There

About 20 years ago I had a CU. One day on the way home from work the van developed a distinct (and new) tinkling sound. I listened to it for just a few ten’s of seconds, and it stopped, but the van began to run poorly. I stopped to investigate, but by the time I’d got the bed out and the hatch opened the poor running had cleared, so I continued happily on my way.

A few days later while poking around in the works, I noticed a small triangular section missing from one of the carb butterflies. On reflection I assume the missing piece had been ingested by the engine, the tinkling probably it bouncing around in one of the pots, subsequent poor running it being caught up at the valve, and finally escaped into the exhaust without (luckily) causing too much damage to the engine.

On checking I found a crack in the other carbs butterfly, which I brazed and tidied up.

Can’t say what sort of damage was done as I ran the van for two or three more years, with no great problems, before selling it on.
I seem to remember reading at the time that this was not an unknown problem and was caused by metal fatigue.

I got away with it, but if I found that again I might well feel inclined to try to find the bit pre-pot, mind you, If all is happy and running ok perhaps you've already got away with it - could be worth looking carefully at the other carb.

good luck
Martin

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Hi There

About 20 years ago I had a CU. One day on the way home from work the van developed a distinct (and new) tinkling sound. I listened to it for just a few ten’s of seconds, and it stopped, but the van began to run poorly. I stopped to investigate, but by the time I’d got the bed out and the hatch opened the poor running had cleared, so I continued happily on my way.

A few days later while poking around in the works, I noticed a small triangular section missing from one of the carb butterflies. On reflection I assume the missing piece had been ingested by the engine, the tinkling probably it bouncing around in one of the pots, subsequent poor running it being caught up at the valve, and finally escaped into the exhaust without (luckily) causing too much damage to the engine.

On checking I found a crack in the other carbs butterfly, which I brazed and tidied up.

Can’t say what sort of damage was done as I ran the van for two or three more years, with no great problems, before selling it on.
I seem to remember reading at the time that this was not an unknown problem and was caused by metal fatigue.

I got away with it, but if I found that again I might well feel inclined to try to find the bit pre-pot, mind you, If all is happy and running ok perhaps you've already got away with it - could be worth looking carefully at the other carb.

good luck
Martin

Yikes! Now that is scary...

If I'm am honest and now I think back, it was a bit too jagged for someone to have cut out unless they had done a really pants job!

S%&t - sounds like I might be dropping the engine...

The jobs are just never ending - fix one thing, 3 other things break in its place...

[orangebooboobearcrew]

So can anyone recommend someone who might be able to repair this?

I will get the throttle spindle bushes done as well while I'm there.

Carbs are Solex 34 PICT 2 & 3.

Thanks,

Chris F

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Carbs are Solex 34 PICT 2 & 3.

Chris F

I think you will find that they are PDSIT carbs..

Smaller venturi than PICT 34.

Still waiting for photos...

In the worst case scenario.. the brass butterflies are just that.. machined brass discs.. can be re made..

For all quality parts I use Gower and Lee (in UK)..

No need to drop the engine for this..

Get your compressions and oil pressure tested before spending out..

Cordialement,

[mr_nunn]

Highly recommend Gasure in Chester for refurbishing and setting up these carbs, if you can get there. It's worth the trip.

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your answers.

I didn't get round to taking a photo today but having charged the battery after starter motor rebuild I turned it over and it fired and runs with no problems as far as it sounded. I left it running for 10-15 mins and manouvered around in the unit with no probs.

I am therefore hoping that I have been lucky at not had any major long term damage.

Funnily enough I have e-mailed Gower & Lee today pending a response. Also, funnily, we are off to Chester in 3 weeks so may will try Gassure depending on what G&L say...


Thanks again for your help. Will let you know how it goes...

Chris