Is a Zenith 361V carburettor OK to use on a Series 1 2 litre engine?

[jedwards]

After spending another $165 on my Solex 32PBI-2 carburettor from Hell, by having it inspected by a Carburettor Specialist, I still have wet black spark plugs after a drive around the block. The specialist found that the return spring for the ball seal of the Depression Economy valve in the Accelerator Pump was missing, but replacing it does not seem to have improved its performance. Ive got big hesitations, and floating plugs.

So I am thinking it might be worth trying an alternative carburettor, entirely . I know that the Zenith 361V was used on the series 2 and 2A motors with great success, and a number of people seem to have gone for the Weber, so what does this august group recommend as the most suitable alternative to the Solex from Hell?

Any advice greatly appreciated.
regards
Jeff

[p38arover]

You might need to check how the throttle or choke connect. One of the carbs (Weber or Zenith) needs an adapter to rotate the carb 90 degrees.

I saw this last year when KLR were fitting a new carb to a Series I. I think they had both Weber and Zenith in stock so they didn’t need the adapter.

Zenith:

Carburettor, 2.25 Petrol, Series II/IIA/3, Zenith Type 36IV - KLR Automotive

[jedwards]

Thanks Ron,
I've reach out to them to see what they recommend.
cheers
Jeff

[5380]

After spending another $165 on my Solex 32PBI-2 carburettor from Hell, by having it inspected by a Carburettor Specialist, I still have wet black spark plugs after a drive around the block. The specialist found that the return spring for the ball seal of the Depression Economy valve in the Accelerator Pump was missing, but replacing it does not seem to have improved its performance. Ive got big hesitations, and floating plugs.

So I am thinking it might be worth trying an alternative carburettor, entirely . I know that the Zenith 361V was used on the series 2 and 2A motors with great success, and a number of people seem to have gone for the Weber, so what does this august group recommend as the most suitable alternative to the Solex from Hell?

Any advice greatly appreciated.
regards
Jeff

Jeff, I think the Zenith might be a bit large for a 2.0l. The 32PBI-2 is a 32mm choked down to 25mm for 2.0l and 23mm for a 1.6l. The original Solex 32PBI-2 is a cleverly designed, high quality carb works very well if set up properly. The other carbs won't work any better if they are not set up properly. I have had to remove a numberof poor quality aftermarket carbs and fit refurbished oringinals . Most of the new Ebay alleged " repro.32PBI-2" offerings are bodged up fake 32PBIC units for small 1950s/60s European cars. The fuel level in the float bowl is important (worn float lever) and the accelerator pump and economy control must have a soft flexible diaphragms and no wear in the accelerator pump linkage which must be adjusted as per the workshop manual instructions. After 70 years use, most well used units usually have a warped mounting flange and worn butterfly spindle/housing and need refurbishing. They usually cost me about between $200 and $300.00 to do up to new performance standards. I have had good results with all the carbs I have rebuilt for local S1 owners including myself. The trickiest bit is getting all the mating surfaces true again, particularly the mounting flange/butterfly housing. I heat and straighten them, because if you file them flat , they get too thin and warp again. Most require oversize spindles to restore even low speed running. I can refurbish your carb if you can't find anyone in WA who is familiar with the Solex 32PBI-2. DON'T FORGET to check that your fuel pump is a 1.5PSI LP model- NOT a 4PSI HP unit or it will flood and wet the plugs! Good luck, 5380.