Solex PAITA carb

[NutmegCT]

Nope. Just sprayed some starter down inside, cranked, and it didn't fire.

Weird-a-mundo.

What would cause that? All four intake valves got stuck within ten days? all on the same day?

sheesh

Tom

 

[waltesefalcon]

It's bizarre alright. Ummm, call the guys at car talk, they won't know whats wrong either but at least you'll get a laugh out of it.

 

[drooartz]

Can't remember form earlier in the thread... have you done a compression test on the engine yet?

 

[NutmegCT]

Yep - four cylinders: 160, 160, 162, 160 psi

Can't beat that!

T.

 

[drooartz]

Good numbers, Tom. Though unfortunately no help in determining the problem here...

 

[NutmegCT]

As a doctor friend of mine said: "My patient was in MUCH better health when he died."

gack

T.

 

[NutmegCT]

Not good. I put the new mixing tube assembly in, re-installed the carb ... and no change whatsoever. Full of gas, strong spark, crank and crank. Didn't fire once. Amazing.

I noticed fuel seeping from the flange which connects the carb body and carb base. Doesn't seem that would prevent firing, but who knows ...

In the next few days I'm taking the carb up to a friend in Massachusetts who has a car just like mine (1960 M-B 190b). If his engine won't start using my carb, the problem is my carb. If his engine starts and runs using my carb, problem isn't my carb.

Slowly I turned ... step by step ... inch by inch ... (anybody remember that?)

Tom

 

[DrEntropy]

Niagara Falls...

This is confounding, Tom. If it does run on the other engine (thinking out loud), you've swapped out all but the iggy switch. *nudge-nudge*

 

[NutmegCT]

Niagara Falls...

This is confounding, Tom. If it does run on the other engine (thinking out loud), you've swapped out all but the iggy switch. *nudge-nudge*

Wouldst be so kind as to expand on that thought?

T.

 

[DrEntropy]

Could the switch be failing? Resistance in the contacts, heats up after a short time and loses contact? Or not making contact initially for the power to the coil... again, just mutterin' out loud.

 

[NutmegCT]

Wednesday update! I put my carb on a friend's car (same year, same model). Carb (and engine) worked perfectly. Started immediately, idled perfectly, revved with throttle open.

hmmmmm

T.

 

[JPSmit]

Wednesday update! I put my carb on a friend's car (same year, same model). Carb (and engine) worked perfectly. Started immediately, idled perfectly, revved with throttle open.

hmmmmm

T.

Steal your friend's car

 

[JPSmit]

Seriously now, assuming you have good spark, all that is left is fuel and air. I would guess fuel line/ pump blockage and or weakness.

 

[waltesefalcon]

At least you don't have to do anymore work on your carb.

 

[NutmegCT]

FOUND IT! It runs!

Anyone interested ...?

 

[drooartz]

Well, duh!

Great to hear it's running. Now we need to know how!

 

[DrEntropy]

'k Tom.... spill.

 

[NutmegCT]

The ignition switch!

I'm betting the ignition wire at switch terminal is nearly non-existent. I guess 50+ years may have taken their toll. Only way to be sure will be to remove switch and steering lock from the dash.

This morning I noticed the car would actually start when I wiggled the ignition key in the lock. Kept dying, but at least would fire. Then to verify, I ran a jumper from the battery directly to the coil.

Pushed the starter button, engine fired immediately and continued idling. Still need to check timing, points, vacuum advance, etc. (couldn't do that when it wouldn't run ...)

After 3 weeks, a discovery!

T.

 

[DrEntropy]

I was late to the party.

Glad ya solved it. That kinda stuff can put a hen off layin'.

 

[waltesefalcon]

It's always something simple that winds up taking the most time to track down.