My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: athawk11 on September 10, 2012, 11:19:18 AM

Title: Solex Issue!!
Post by: athawk11 on September 10, 2012, 11:19:18 AM
I know most folks here don't like the Solex carb.  I understand that, but I need some constructive help -vs- another "dump the Solex" thread.

I have a Carter, but to date, I haven't had the time or money to rebuild it.

My Solex runs rich.  I know that it is suppose to need a regulator to deliver 1-2 PSI to it.  I have installed a regulator twice.  Once with an electric fuel pump and once with a mechanical fuel pump.  With both pumps, the Willys begs for fuel when the regulator is dialed to 2 PSI, 3 PSI, and even a bit at 4 PSI.  In fact, the only time it runs well, is with the regulator at 5 PSI...its highest setting.  But again, I run rich.  At the lower pressures, it will idle fine, but when I press on the gas, it acts like it is out of fuel.

I adjusted the Air/Fuel screw both up and down, with no change to performance.

What am I missing?   I'm at a real loss here.


Tim    
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: F Bill on September 10, 2012, 05:36:40 PM
Google "rejetting your jeep solex", you might find the post I Have seen talking about what jet sizes are more appropriate than what comes with the carbs... It makes some sense to me that if it is feeding too much gas to the engine at some point it will starve for fuel if fuel delivery is not up to the demands of the jets....Have you done the classic run and pull the plug routines?

I wish I could remember where I saw that, but the gist was a rejetting was needed to make it run well.
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: rocketeer on September 10, 2012, 07:14:13 PM
The instruction sheet that comes with a new Solex specifies a regulator to output 1 1/3 to 2 lbs pressure to the carb. At the risk of asking the dumb question, the fuel pressure regulator is between the pump and carb, not between the tank and pump, right? The next question would be, what model Solex do you have, 32 or 34?

Quote
I'm having trouble getting my Solex downdraught carburetor for my vintage 134 4cly engine to run correctly. What adjustments should I make?
The Type M.32 PBIC carburetor is a bolt on replacement for the original Carter Carburetor and has some differences. It is very important to note that the Solex M.32 will need only 1-1/3 to 2 pounds of fuel pressure at the inlet fuel line. Any thing higher will cause the carburetor to run very rich and produce drivability problems especially in high altitude regions. If the fuel pressure is found to be to high an inline regulator will be needed. Another area to pay special attention to when installing the new carburetor is to the rubber fuel lines. If possible these lines leading to the carburetor should be replaced with new lines and installed very carefully to avoid producing trash or small rubber shavings after the fuel filter. If a small particle makes its way into the carburetor it is possible for the trash to clog the needle valve and cause a run rich condition

http://cj3apage.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Tech&action=display&thread=1507

Larry
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: athawk11 on September 10, 2012, 10:17:21 PM
Bill, Larry,
Thank you for your responses.

I should have mentioned that, with help from Tom Fitch,  I did replace the main jet.  This is the M32 Solex.  It had a 127.5 main jet originally.  I put in a 117 after talking with Tom.  He and I live at the same altitude.  He runs a regulator and the 117 main jet and has good success.  I just can't seem to get it to function with a regulator.  I was hoping there was something obvious that I hadn't thought of, but after reading the thread that Larry directed me to, it looks like some folks have success with the Solex, and others never solve the 'run rich' issue.  

I will eventually get a rebuild done on my Carter, but I'm going to the Fall Colors Tour and wanted to tweak the Solex if possible.  The Willys really runs well with the Solex.  It just has a little soot, and it stinks.  

I guess I will try to see if the needle valve is clogged.  Only problem is, I don't know where to look.

I'm mistified.

Tim
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: F Bill on September 11, 2012, 08:52:00 AM
Have you tried adjusting your float level slightly lower?(assuming it is already at the factory recommended level?)
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: rocketeer on September 11, 2012, 12:22:06 PM
Here's some additional info on the M32BPIC. According to the chart there are a couple of things that need to be changed when going to the economy jet in addition to the jet itself. I see a different choke tube, air correction jet, and pump jet with the economy main jet.

http://www.m201.com/tech/solex.htm

(http://www.m201.com/tech/solex1.gif)

Larry
Title: Re: Solex Issue!!
Post by: athawk11 on September 12, 2012, 01:30:34 PM
Thanks Larry.

I've seen that document before, but never thought about what 'economy' ment until I saw the 115 main jet listed. I don't know that the additional parts are available.  Quite frankly, I don't really want to put the money or effort into this carb.  May need to move the Carter rebuild up the priority ladder.  It's a nice little carb.  (I have a GPW engine.  Based on the # of patents on the float bowl, it is probably a GPW carb.) All the parts are there, it's just very loose and sloppy.

Tim