All Choked Up
The bus has been running terribly when it first starts up – barely going at all, actually. For the most part, we haven’t been under 3500 meters in a month. It’s the cold, it’s the altitude. Well, today I decided to actually do something about it. I would either try to fix that broken choke or just open them up all the way.
Well, first of all, I found out that BOTH the chokes were broken. Same part, but different places. It took a while, but I figured out a way to essentially make a new part with some baling wire and RTV. It now starts right up on the first try. While I was at it, I fixed that damn throttle lever that was coming off all the time. It was too the point where I was stopping every 30 minutes to re-attach it.
Problem is, my carbs are now literally held together with baling wire. Note to the Solex/Kadron people: make components that don’t fall apart when you use them.
If you get chance, get you some webber’s. They are the only way to go. They are so good they don’t even have chokes. That is what I have on my 70, two two’s. You will have change to a better exhaust though. Then put in a 009 dist. and you’re set. You will also need an electric fuel pump to complete the change over.
Was just thinking about some dual Kads to replace my Solex prog. Really I should hold out for some nice OG PDSIT 2/3s. Hmmm. Love your field repairs! 🙂
So is it bailing wire through the housing to a glob of RTV attaching said wire to the rubber diaphragm vaccuum pulloff thing? In any event, nice job. And there’s a lot to be said for bailing wire and RTV. Most temporary fixes, if they work, become permanent over time.
hey jason Kads are my least favorite carbs, dells are much better but harder to find and cost more. Kads have about a 3-5 year life span. dells have a roller bearing in the crosshafts. Also a vacumm advance dizzy is much better than a 009 dizzy . If going to a mech advance use an 050 or an 031 which work much better if youi can find one. hope you guys are well give ang and bode a hug for me later md
Love it!! I’ve seen a few repairs like this in my lifetime ;D
Nice job, MacGyver! 🙂
Take care & have fun!
M&M
i don’t do well in cold, high places either.
Once you’re in Brazil or Argentina there should be VW parts aplenty… Let’s hope you’ll find fitting carbs (as most engines in Brazil are slightly different)!
I love you Gary, but the advice about losing the chokes and putting in a 009 is not sound. Volkswagen didn’t put chokes on carbs for fun; if they weren’t needed they wouldn’t’ve put them on there and saved themselves millions of dollars a year.
Likewise 009s–no VW left the factory with a 009 on it. Why? Because VW determined a mechanical-only advance distributor was inappropriate for their cars. The 009 was made to be put on industrial VW engines, like ones that sat there to run a pump or a saw all day at constant rpms.
Given the choice between trusting John Muir (“No chokes! Get a 009!”) or a couple dozen German engineering PhDs, the smart move is to trust the Krauts.
Alright,
Mitch.
This has been much debated many times in many places. I have had this set up twice now, and both times they have run MUCH better than PhD’s set up. So why is this??? I live where it gets really cold in the winter too. If you are ever up here in La Pine, Or. drop by and take it for a ride and see for yourself.
Gary – I’ve got a 009 (two, actually) and can’t complain. I actually don’t have any choice, since the KAdrons have no real vacuum connection. Also, my electronic ignition died, so am running points. Not a fan of points!
Chris – you got it. Best I could do. It will be permanent until it breaks again!
Mark, Gary, Mitch – I’m not sure I’ll have any freedom to choose my next carbs. It all depends on where it dies and what they have 😉