Carb. Rebuild or replace?

[2manykids4a7]

Yorker, thanks for the heads up. Tom, I went to the site but they didn't have an entire replacement for the Zenith, they just had parts, thanks though.

So my plan is to replace the old Zenith with a new one, dollars wise it isn't horrible, $150. I know there are cheaper options but this won't break the bank. I intend to have the Rover for a long time so I think this gives me the best starting point. I know there is always a chance any part will not come up to par but hopefully I have minimized that chance. If I do get a dud then I'm buying from a reputable source and so should be able to get my money back and then look for a used carb with a decent throttle shaft that I can then rebuild.

I'll post up once the new one arrives and is installed.

Thanks for the help, Steve..

[luckyjoe]

Steve,

Report back how everything works out.

For a complete Zenith, you need to call Burlen. They don't show it on their web site...

Don't throw your old carb away! I'll gladly take it if it's destined for the bin!

Regards,

[2manykids4a7]

Tom, I got impatient last night and just pulled the trigger (would have been too late to call UK anyway). I'm afraid the carb isn't headed for the rubbish, for now I think rebuilding the throttle shaft is a little beyond me (hopefully one day I may be there), but since it is getting me around right now, it will go in the spares box.

I'll be back once the new one is on there..

[Les Parker]

I am sure I am not alone in having some spare "core" Zeniths if any body wants some, couple of gallons of gas money and the shipping and they could be yours !!

[2manykids4a7]

Les,

Thanks that is really kind of you, if my present plan fails I will take you up on your offer.

Steve..

[Tsmith]

The quality of the replacement Zeniths is terrible. I got three when I had a SIII from different sources. They required rebulding out of the box to attain flat mating surfaces. I finally learned to anneal them, flat the parts and re-assemble. I noticed the first one leaking fuel from the sides right after installing it.

You may be better off having the original one rebuilt, even if it is more costly. Try Joe Curto, 718 762 7878.

Carburetors were made better when manufacturers installed tham on new cars that had warrentees. No cars have carbs anymore and the warrentee ia only a month or two and has little meaning anyway.

[2manykids4a7]

Well, the order is in now so hopefully I either get a good one, or if not it has issues quickly and the warranty comes through. Probably will be a couple of weeks until I get it fitted, I will keep everyone posted once I make progress (or not!).

Steve..

[2manykids4a7]

I finally fitted the replacement carb and the initial results are good. My original problem was a fairly loud popping sound usually occurring when I let off the gas. The general consensus was that I was probably running lean. Since I was running points that was where the trouble shooting started, and the first find was a fair amount of slop in the distributor shaft which clearly made for a gap issue with the points. Distributor was replaced and points removed in favor of a Pertronix system, but the popping remained. Examination of the carb led to the discovery of wear in the throttle shaft, letting air in, hence the lean mix. After considering the options and the $ I went for a direct replacement Zenith. Initial results are good everything seems to be running smoothly and there have been no disturbing bangs or pops as yet. I know it is early days but there are no leaks either. I hope to run it by the auto shop at the college where I work and have the guys there give it the once over and see if there are any adjustments they would make. But right now I am pleased with the results.

Thanks for all the input along the way, I will post up any developments if they occur.

Steve..

[2manykids4a7]

Quick update for anyone who may be considering this replacement.

Although initial results with the carb were good it started running really rich and I couldn't get it adjusted right using the idle and mix screws only (no idea why it ran well at first). Took it to a friend who is a mechanic and after he tried the same thing he thought it might be an issue with the float. I was going to try and get to it myself, but life got busy and I wanted it fixed before I lost more time that could be spent enjoying the thing! So I took it back to him and he fixed it right up. He said the float was the problem, so he replaced it with the float from the original. I guess the float in the new replacement was foam and all bent up wheras the original was plastic and sat level (as it should per the green bibles directions). He also said the original needle valve looked better quality too, so he switched that out.

So I now have a new carb with the float and the needle valve from the old carb. As far as cost goes getting the replacement and then getting it fixed has come out at about the same cost as it would have been to get the old one rebuilt. I guess I am a little ahead this way, since if nothing else I have gained a few spares, some knowledge for myself and now have someone smarter than I who is getting to know the Rover a little.

Hopefully this is my last post on this one!

Steve..

[BobJones]

Where did you end up getting the new Zenith from?

[2manykids4a7]

PM'd you. Steve..

[Lord Icon]

carb and spark stuff

It's just my 2 cents. I am rebuilding my second series 3 , just rebuilt a unimog.
Both had poor running carbs, both were zenith. I changed the last rover over to a webber and the pertronix conversion and was amazed at the new power and ease of starting at below 0 degrees. The unimog got a pertronix kit and a carter knock off by Holly, ( I now hold the patent for this upgrade) . The zenith design loads too much torque on the throttle and will wear the hole into a oval. You can JB weld a repair but for the money the webber is a way better investment. My only issue with the webber is the smaller throat , you will need to adapt it to your air intake. Autozone has a make yer own air intake system, you just have to paint the chrome when done. As with all things that use fuel, heating , a/c, fire, explosives, rover combustion, you and me breathing....... ESTABLISH PROPER AIR FLOW. The better it can breath the better it can burn, that's why the blowers and turbos and nos upgrades are so popular with the racing crowd... I am contemplating a british blower assy, I will source one at the upcoming British Invasion in 2 weeks..
Cheers,
Kris Heikkila
1973 Hodge Podge.....