Thread: 2.6 carb mixture needle washer?

I haven't had a need to strip my carby but the exploded diagram doesn't show a clip.
Zenith-Stromberg Carburetor - 1970-80 - Carburetors - Fuel, Intake & Emissions - Triumph Spitfire | Moss Motors

I had to look up what a Girling washer was, have used them before on car brakes but didn't know there was a term for them.


Colin

Cheers Colin,

I have admit being a better google mechanic than real one :-)

When I click through the links you supplied, the needle shown is from a different engine, and the picture they supply (when clicking through the parts list) shows a nylon washer.

My needle (B2BF) doesn't appear to be available anymore new, I found this: Parts for 3987 for Land Rover Series III 2.6 Litre - Burlen Ltd - Zenith Caburetters (zenithcarb.co.uk)
..if anything it confirms my needle is an original spec.

Most images around the web show a washer of some sort on similar needles (very scientific that!!)

I'm going to have a fiddle and put a spacer in and see what happens. At the moment I'm running super rich and I suspect without the washer I can't adjust properly - there is an extra 2mm or so of needle movement I can't access. ( I'm assuming super rich because she is burning through fuel even on idle, and accelerating without load is very...enthusiastic...and smokey/fumey.

Thanks again., I'll update how I get on.
GB

Originally Posted by crontab

Cheers Colin,

I have admit being a better google mechanic than real one :-)

When I click through the links you supplied, the needle shown is from a different engine, and the picture they supply (when clicking through the parts list) shows a nylon washer.

My needle (B2BF) doesn't appear to be available anymore new, I found this: Parts for 3987 for Land Rover Series III 2.6 Litre - Burlen Ltd - Zenith Caburetters (zenithcarb.co.uk)
..if anything it confirms my needle is an original spec.

Most images around the web show a washer of some sort on similar needles (very scientific that!!)

I'm going to have a fiddle and put a spacer in and see what happens. At the moment I'm running super rich and I suspect without the washer I can't adjust properly - there is an extra 2mm or so of needle movement I can't access. ( I'm assuming super rich because she is burning through fuel even on idle, and accelerating without load is very...enthusiastic...and smokey/fumey.

Thanks again., I'll update how I get on.
GB

I have a couple of spare 2.6 carbys, one is probably beyond saving so I'll take a look when I get a chance.

Be aware that the 2.6 is thirsty, don't run it too lean or you'll be replacing exhaust valves.


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

I have a couple of spare 2.6 carbys, one is probably beyond saving so I'll take a look when I get a chance.

Be aware that the 2.6 is thirsty, don't run it too lean or you'll be replacing exhaust valves.

Thanks Colin, when/if you can, no rush. And yes, the thirst and exhaust valve issues is in mind. Right now though it is like hanging around a petrol station.(from the fumes...but also the fuel consumption :-) )

I have just put a spacer in between the needle and the carrier so that when all assembled the needle washer grove is flush with the carrier, which is flush with the piston - i.e the 'starting position' before doing final adjustments. Engine is running fine still, gut feel is less smoke but hard to tell. The problem with using a spacer (at the top of the needle, inside the carrier) is that it can't be adjusted - when adjusting via the allen key through the top, the carrier will move, but the spacer pushes the needle in the opposite direction :-) Oh well :-) I'm off to find some options for washers so I can get the adjustment capability back.

BTW - this is a SIII FFR.

Cheers,
GB

Found a few articles on adjusting the needle height, most mention a special tool but this is possibly so you can adjust by removing the dashpot piston only (not stripping the top cover off). The tool stops the diaphragm getting torn.
Here's one Adjusting a Stromberg carburettor | How a Car Works

Lots of other information out there including several YouTube videos.

Took an old CD175 apart and the needle is well & truly stuck in place. There is a small washer that sits in a groove in the needle, seems to stop the spring pulling the needle back too far.


Colin