Zenith Stromberg question

[Jagbird]

I'm helping a friend get his rubber bumper Midget running so he'll have a better chance of selling it at an upcoming swap meet here in Sacramento. I installed the carburetor, it was removed and rebuilt a few years ago but never reinstalled. I got it running after flushing the fuel system and repairing a few leaks. It starts right up, revs up nicely but it idles really rough and the exhaust is sooty and stinky, way rich. I've been searching the web for tuning tips until my eyes are crossed. I'm searching the BCF today but I'm not finding anything that resembles my problem. Any help is appreciated.

Jagbird

 

[aeronca65t]

~THIS~ may help somewhat.

 

[dklawson]

Our GT6 uses Strombergs and the biggest problem we have with them is that the car sees so little run time that the back carb quickly fouls with varnish. Presumably that won't be your issue since it sound like this carb should be clean. As for tuning them, I stink at tuning both the SUs or the Strombergs. I use the same basic technique of tuning both. Center the jets, disconnect the throttle and choke linkages, set jets for 2 full turns down from flush, balance the air flow. Once I get to that point it becomes the traditional lift the piston method to get the smooth idle.

 

[eschneider]

is the choke (coolant-filled?) sticking?

is the stock air cleaner housing installed?

 

[JBarryW]

I agree, check that the automatic choke is not stuck open, as this is the prime suspect.

You can disconnect the choke housing from the car body without disconnecting the water feed hoses (three slotted screws if I remember correctly), let it hang there, and see if that clears the problem.