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A whole new car - at least it feels like

JPSmit

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So, for this story to make sense, you need to remember that when I was getting the car ready for the road I put on an HS4 SU to replace the Zenith Stromberg. At that time, and as a part of adapting the float, I tried to shorten the line from the float to the jet. As I dismantled this, I broke the rubber compression gasket which I found out was made of unobtanium. Repaired it with a couple of o-rings and thought I was good till I was driving with Mark last week and discovered that gas was dripping on the exhaust. Was visiting another friend last week and he had a box of SU carbs - anyone know what an AUD82 carb is for? Anyway, got a new line - new gasket - repaired replaced, tightened up the choke cable and started her up. Felt a difference even as it started but, didn't sound just right. Went back to the carb and the plate my mechanic had placed over the mouth because we couldn't get it to run right back then. Pulled the plate and OMG - it is a different car. It pulls like crazy, burbles like an SU should, it is astonishing! Even chirped the tires for the very first time.

What seems to have happened is this. The line was leaking all along - the car wouldn't rev because it was either drawing air and fuel or just not enough fuel. This gave too much air to the carb. The mechanic - not knowing about the fuel line - assumed the carb was too big, restricted the air and all worked again. Unfortunately, the fuel was still not coming as it should have. Hence the underwhelming performance, except I didn't know any better.

So, now I am very happy, the car seems to be running/ pulling as it ought - will need to tweek the idle in the daylight, but, woo hoo, If a pair of SU's makes her sing, a single makes her solo and I can actually drive her like I stole her!
:driving:
 
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww!
 
Woohoo!
 
Hey JP

does that mean you will be here faster
Phil
 
This is great to hear.
 
MCS said:
Hey JP

does that mean you will be here faster
Phil

should be
grin.gif
or at least I won't be that flaming ball of fire pulling into your driveway
 
Congrats are in order after all the 'fun" you had with that issue ! yeeesh :-s

Congrats JP !!
 
That is good news. Chirped the tires ? I bet you had an
ear to ear grin when it happened.
:thumbsup:
 
It's astounding, the difference between an SU and the Zenith, considering how similar the design is.

Makes you wonder how those Triumph folks put up with it. :wink:
 
JPSmit said:
Was visiting another friend last week and he had a box of SU carbs - anyone know what an AUD82 carb is for? :driving:

I can't find anything in my copy of SU Carbs by Speedsport for AUD82 but an AUD86 is an HS2 for a 998cc 67/68 Mini MkII or a 998cc 63/64 Riley Elf MkII. Sure you read the number right?

Bruce
 
Well, it was a day. Mark and I had arranged to go see Phil in Carlisle to see about the vibration in his Sprite. Went to the bank, stopped for gas and Ms Triss wouldn't start and wouldn't start and wouldn't start. Walked home - 8 minutes or so, got some tools, got our tenant, drove back, swapped the plugs and away she went. Bethany (tenant) drove my car home and as we were chatting Mark drove up. And Ms Triss wouldn't start again, OK, we just barely got her running and away we went. Got there in good time - fabulous weather - 18 deg c (65 f) in November! Phil drove mine around the block to set the benchmark, and even then it still didn't start right.

Anyway, swapped my tires onto Phil's - they took it around the block and the shake was worse - much worse. The good part was the car had to go on the hoist while we took off the wheels so, I got to tighten up everything under the car while they were gone. "Honey can I have a hoist for Christmas, I've been good." "No dear, the garage is only 6' 6" inches high." That hoist is WONDERFUL - thanks Phil.

So, back to the story. Phil & Mark came back, put the wheels back on - cleaned the plugs, leaned out the carb three flats and away I went. Got Phil's Sprite up - pulled apart the drivers side front end, major lube and oil and we think things are better. Of course by then it was too dark to really see but, three spridgets in the driveway at the same time, a hoist, tools and a gorgeous fall day, how bad can it be?

Put the top up for the trip home and a good day was had by all.

Here are the pics I took. Ms Triss is on the hoist.

Hopefully Phil will be along in a minute with the pics he took of all the cars as mine didn't turn out.
 

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What a nice outing.
 
; at least I won't be that flaming ball of fire pulling into your driveway [/quote]

yeah, but that ALWAYS wins first place !!! :banana: :jester:[/quote]
 
c5racer said:
JPSmit said:
Was visiting another friend last week and he had a box of SU carbs - anyone know what an AUD82 carb is for? :driving:

I can't find anything in my copy of SU Carbs by Speedsport for AUD82 but an AUD86 is an HS2 for a 998cc 67/68 Mini MkII or a 998cc 63/64 Riley Elf MkII. Sure you read the number right?

Bruce

checked again it says AUD82 - will post on the restoration board also
 
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