Carb. Rebuild or replace?

[2manykids4a7]

This is a follow up post from points to pertronix. In the course of making that switch I have discovered the following so to keep the 2 issues separate I thought I'd start this new thread, I should say that I haven't had a chance to even look into the issue yet I just didn't want to confuse the other thread with this issue.

The throttle shaft on my carb is worn, which if I understand things correctly means that air can get into the carb thus making it run lean which could be a contributing factor to the popping sound I get from the exhaust when I back off the gas. It seems my choices are as follows.

1. Get the throttle shaft on the carb rebuilt. Trevor (the automotive teacher, at the community college where I work) recommended having this done by a professional as it requires some fairly skilled work to get new bushings put in place etc.

2. Get a new carb.

So I'm off to explore those options, cost etc.

Carb is a Zenith. (Has 36 IV on it too)

If anyone has thoughts, experience, questions, advice etc please let me know.

Thanks, Steve..

1975 Series III 109 FFR reduced to 12V. 2.25L engine.

[bkreutz]

I think your biggest difficulty is finding someone who has the ability to rebuild your carb. Putting in new bushings to correct worn throttle shafts used to be a common part of a carb overhaul, but as the years have gone by, the number of places that can do this correctly has dwindled (or disappeared). The other factor to consider is the condition of the rest of the carb. I'd look and ask around to see if you can find a reputable rebuilder (lean heavily on recommendations of past customers). If you find them, let them assess the condition of your carb and give recommendations on what should be done. HTH

[gudjeon]

If you have had good luck with this carb in the past and someone has the ability and know how to restore the shaft, then I would go for. But, then again, this is just me. You won't get a simpler carb to rebuild than these. OK, maybe your lawnmover.

[2manykids4a7]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the advice.

So after a little while searching this is where I have ended up.

It seems like you can talk (read) yourself both in to or out of a whole variety of different carbs.

I mainly use the vehicle to take the kids to the beach, around town on the weekends, as a stand in when something is in the shop etc. It isn't a daily driver and I'm not doing any serious off-roading (or even casual off-roading unless you count the odd building site or the beach with the kids!). So gas mileage and off road performance are not that big a deal to me, reliability is the name of the game.

That said since this Zenith has been working for me so far, it seems like a good first port of call is looking into getting it fixed. I do have a recommendation of a shop here in town so I plan on taking it there and getting some expert advice. If the cost isn't prohibitive in comparison with a replacement (so far I have seen a Zenith for $150 and a Weber for about $240 (courtesy of our hosts)) I think I will give that a shot. However if it is close to the same price to replace it I may go that way get a warranty for a while and once again lean on the guys in the automotive shop to get me set up nicely.

If anyone has more thoughts please don't hesitate to chime in. I will keep this thread updated with my progress.

Steve..

[luckyjoe]

If you start to see big $$$ to correct the shaft wear, I would consider locating a Zenith in better condition, then rebuilding that one. A lot of people switch carbs and replace the Zenith. So there should be quite a few people with a Zenith sitting on their shelf, ready to trade for a few beer tokens.

As stated, it's a simple rebuild, even as your first carb...

Regards,

[2manykids4a7]

Went by the carburetor specialist in town today and his recommendation was for $150 to get the replacement. It would be more expensive to repair the shaft and even if I could find another with the shaft in better shape a rebuild kit is then $100.

Seems to make sense to me, I will probably hold off on ordering for couple of days just in case anyone has any better ideas.

Once again, thanks for the input. Steve..

[2manykids4a7]

Seems like my best option to replace the Zenith is to get one sent over from England. I hope that I'm not breaking any forum rules here (I think I'm OK as RN does not sell the Zenith), if I am please do let me know. Has anyone had any experience with these guys?

http://www.lrseries.com/shop/product/listing/4971/ERC2886-CARBURETTOR-ZENITH-TYPE.html?search=zenith&page=1

Thanks, Steve..

[yorker]

Ask around some more- post on Guns and Rovers and I bet you'll find a good carb or a good rebuildable core. I've bought like new Webers on ebay for $10 before.

[kevkon]

It's not the seller I'd be concerned with, rather the maker of the "Zenith Type" carb, Britpart.

[gudjeon]

Not to diss the hosts, but, I bought a genuine Zenith From PA Blanshards and had in my Canuck mitts in 10 days.

[2manykids4a7]

Thanks guys. I had kind of settled on the "get a new one so I know what I am starting with idea" but I may explore the used option again.

So to cut to the chase is this one of those situations where the $60 I save (I don't save this much on the carb only but I'm getting a couple of other things too) going with the UK order not worth it in the long run? Am I better to get a genuine replacement Zenith and avoid Britpart? Obviously this is a percentages game but are there enough Britpart issues that the smart money is avoiding them?

Thanks, Steve..

[gudjeon]

If your going to all that trouble and ordering overseas, My money would be on the better one.

[2manykids4a7]

Overseas is no trouble for me, all my family is still in England and I still keep a credit card with a British address. It is purely an economics question! I don't mind the wait for parts from the UK if it saves me money, but if it costs me more in the long run then I'll spend the extra now. I'm fairly new to Rovers and am not yet familiar with when it is best to go with OEM replacements etc. Hence my questions about the quality of Britpart. I have worked on other vehicles before where all you are paying for with original replacements is the name and that isn't a concern for me with my Rover.

I should again take the chance to say how much I appreciate the opportunity to be able to ask questions from those who have gone before and do my best to avoid the trial and error mistakes, I would otherwise be making.

Thanks, Steve..

[yorker]

There is a reason why Britpart parts are known as $hitpart on the UK LR boards. If you are going to buy new spend the $ on the real deal, though even that may warp on you apparently.

[luckyjoe]

If you plan on replacing the Zenith, I'd go with these guys: http://www.burlen.co.uk/
They have a good reputation in the S2 Club.

As far as economy, a dollar saved is a dollar earned, or something like that. If you don't quite feel up to the task of rebuilding the carb, then a reconditioned Burlen unit should greatly simplify things for you, and you'll not be second-guessing yourself as you bolt it on.

Regards,