Carb problems

Hi guys,

I'm hoping that someone on here can help……………….

I've got an '83 1.3 (1272cc) Mk 1 golf and, having had the car for three weeks now, I'm pretty sure the previous owner knew nothing of engines!

Can anyone give me advice or direct me to some pages that show how to set up the Solex 34 carb that I have (I presume this to be stock?)?

The car starts OK (ish) but when cruising, coughs and splutters badly - to the degree that last night I had to dip the clutch for fear of being thrown through the windscreen!!!

All advice greatly received!

firstly check for air leaks

check you carb foot is not leakin, have teh car idling and move the carb about, if the revs pic up or die you gettin air in

also chack you vac to the dizzy is not broken

thanks retro.

Over the weekend I unbolted the carb and cleaned the bed/plate that it sists on and resealed with silicone based instant gasket. I also checked the timing (which was out) and reset the dizzy to achieve good timing, and the vacuum to the dizzy is fine.

I'm with you on an air leak problem but I'm at a loss as to where from!?

inlet manifold gasket? is my nest guess

asuming teh ribber foot between carb and inlet manifold is not split usualy where teh steel plate is stuck to the rubber


also if the car is way too rich or lean it would kangerroo


what colour is the exaust after a drive ( once the car as warmed up) ?

if its silvery its too lean and if its black as your hat its too rich

when holding revs when not driving, does it coff and splutter then?

whats the car like under load?

check teh misture and idel screws are sealing propper. whast teh o ring on the end of them like?

the exhaust is as black as the blackest of hats you've ever seen! so that might be it then!

I'll print off your suggestions and have another go at it this weekend. Thanks for your help. Watch this space!

Oh nearly forgot,

Do you know how to tune up the carb i.e adjust the mixture and idle correctly?

I have a razor edge ghia which has solex's on it and I always wind them in all the way and then out by 1 + 1/4 turns them balance accordingly - are there any rules / guidelines for the solex 34 pict 7 that I have on the mk1?

Thanks again!

might seem daft but have you checked your points and condensor?

p.s i'm so jealous of you for having a razor edge ghia!!! lets see some pics!

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa214/razor64_2007/RazorPic3.jpg

Pic of razor ghia - hope fully it works!

Thanks for all your help I'll be fiddling with the enigine this afternoon and I'll let you know how i get on.

awesome dude! easily the nicest dub ever made its on my wish list!