Mike,
As somebody who was really just learning to set up the carbs a few years ago,
and then re-learning once I retrofitted it to the original tricarbs, I have a
suggestion. I find this a lot easier.
I bought all of the mix and carb sync gizmos.... Unisyn, Colortune, the
little flags you can put into the tops of the vac chamber in place of the oil
dampers... What a pain in the ass. The best thing I have found is to set
the carbs to the base adjustments as described in the manuals or owners
manuals.. Then use a length of hose as a "stethoscope" to listen to the hiss
level of the air flow, and adjust them to be equal, readjust the idle, recheck
the balance, repeat as necessary. Back the mix off in small increments and
periodically check the plugs for the correct gray deposits. The car runs as
well or better after setup this way, as with the use of any of that junk. -I
just had to have one "old timer" sneer at my Unisyn, to learn my lesson.
Dave J.
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Branson
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 8:41 PM
Subject: Carburettor Balance tools
Recently I have decided to gain a higher level of practical knowledge about
the mechanical aspects (and requirements!!) of my cars. As happens to us
all, the level of knowledge in the professional trades is fast dwindling
as those rare and valuable persons who grew up on mechanical carburetion
and
BMC apprenticeship training are retiring, closing up shop due to less
demand
or, in some instances, passing on.
However, a material challenge in being able to skill up and look after
the
cars myself is sourcing some of those invaluable tools that make life
easier
with multi-carburettor cars. I am hoping someone on the list may be able
to
direct me on some key items.
In particular, I have been able to borrow from a good friend, a carburettor
balance tester made by Iyasaka. This unit is held against the face of one
carburettor, adjusted, and then held against the others to determine
whether
they all match. Does anyone know where I may be able to lay my hands on
one, or any suggestions as to what alternatives may be available for up to
a
four carburettor set-up (No, I only have three HD8s on my Healey, but I am
building a 1936 Railton 8 which has 4 HS4s to give it a kick along).
I am also looking to get hold of an old style pressure/vacuum guage. Any
help on this one ?
Regards
Mike
Sydney, Australia
63 BJ7
65 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage
68 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 = 2+2
72 Mini Clubman 1275 GT
36 Railton 8
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