Solex choke flaps
Posted: 31 Oct 2005, 11:18
My 2 litre Aircooled CU engine (with stock Solexes - NOS 30k miles ago)was running a bit rough over the last month or so - underpowered and popping at times. It got worse and I traced the problem to a leaking/perished rubber elbow on the right hand inlet manifold brake vacuum takeoff. I did a quick and dirty repair with a bit of plastic hose which lasted a fair time but then melted (yes - I know I should have got the right replacement part in the first place!) - providing the same symptoms again. Even after I refixed the problem the engine would start from cold nicely but then be way down on power once warm.
On taking the aircleaner off I saw that the choke flap on the right hand carb was both mishapen and jammed on, presumably due to a backfire when the induction side was leaking. A careful tap has freed it up so that it will now come off once warm, but it is still out of kilter due to being shaped like a double curved Pringle! I have an "old" pair of carbs from which I could perhaps strip out a choke flap and replace the bent one - is this a tricky job? Will things go ping or out of adjustment with dismantling?
I'm generally pretty good with fiddly jobs but don't want to wreck it!
Any top tips someone?
On taking the aircleaner off I saw that the choke flap on the right hand carb was both mishapen and jammed on, presumably due to a backfire when the induction side was leaking. A careful tap has freed it up so that it will now come off once warm, but it is still out of kilter due to being shaped like a double curved Pringle! I have an "old" pair of carbs from which I could perhaps strip out a choke flap and replace the bent one - is this a tricky job? Will things go ping or out of adjustment with dismantling?
I'm generally pretty good with fiddly jobs but don't want to wreck it!
Any top tips someone?