Help with EMPI/Solex single carb conversion?

[deathwing]

Been working on my project for a while now. First time post on here, but from google searches it seems there is more experience and knowledge in this forum regarding single carb conversions.

Here's what I've got: 1976 GL1000, EMPI 30 PICT-1 single carb, and I've built the manifold myself. Just got it running last night, but it won't idle on its own after warming up. I suspect there could be an air leak but I haven't found it yet. I only just started testing it last night.

I haven't changed the jets yet, but before I start ordering a bunch of different sizes, I thought I would ask if anyone has used a similar setup. If anyone here has done one similar, what size did you use for idle and main jets?

Attached a pic of my setup. Id post a link to my build thread, but apparently you can't post links here.

[wingrider]

Welcome to NGW! That is quite a project you have! In regards to posting links, you can as soon as you have 5 posts under your belt. If you stop by the welcome and introductions toward the top of the forum page, you can tell us a little about you, and your projects, and get your post count up to do more things.

As far as the carb, that is very interesting! I am just guessing that you may not find anyone with the same basic manifold design....that carb looks like its hanging way out there. You may have to experiment a bit to see if you can get it to work.

Someone more knowledgable than me will undoubtedly come along and give some suggestions.

[tk1971]

I have two original Solex 30 Pict-1 carbs that I was toying with when I was having trouble with my new china-made 30 Pict-1 clone.

Jets: Main 120, Idle 55, or 125 / 50 (either one worked for me)

One of the original VW carbs ran well, but leaked fuel at the throttle shaft (very common for old carbs due to the design of body w/o bushings). The other one didn't leak fuel, but after running well for a few days, would not idle (dies w/o choke, like what you're describing). Both carbs had noticeable throttle shaft play due to wear. The one that wouldn't idle was missing the fast idle cam travel limiter pin (replaced with a roll pin).

Problems with both carbs solved by reaming the throttle shaft body holes to 10mm Diameter x 11mm Depth on each side. I then pressed in some nice sintered bronze (self lubricating) sleeve bearing bushings (10mm OD x 8mm ID x 10mm L).

Could be done with a drill press, but I'm currently rebuilding my press (complete strip down, repaint, new bearings, etc), so I went with a tapered hand reamer. I used a hollow 8mm OD aluminum rod to line up the reamer from the bottom. Went slow. The throttle shaft is nice and tight now.

I also figured out why my new china-made 30 Pict-1 was leaking seemingly from the body. The a ccelerator pump linkage attachment on the throttle shaft was installed backwards in china, dumping too much fuel in the carb, which leaked out.

Just a few months ago, I've never seen a 30 Pict-1. These things are so simple. I'm enjoying the simplicity of this carb on my wing.

[deathwing]

Very cool. Thanks for the tips! Gives me a bit to start with. I managed to get it resembling an idle yesterday. It has a 55 idle jet now. So it should be doing it. Improved on a couple seals but going to keep at it today.

I'll let ya know what sort of results I get.

[tk1971]

Almost forgot to mention that an idle of 1200 -1400 is about as good as it gets. I've got it down to 1100-1200, but it surges. I also replaced my fuel pump with an electronic 2-4psi pump. Also, had to cut down the idle adjust screw spring. Even at full compression, it would idle high enough. Kinda one of those things that you play by ear.

[deathwing]

Thanks for your help. Was the 50 idle jet the better one to use? Has 55 now but only wan to make the idle work is having the mix screw virtually all the way out.

[deathwing]

Oh and where did you order your jets?

[tk1971]

Got my jets from here;

http://www.mooreparts.com/store/categor ... Main-Idle/

On the Pict 30, the idle mixture screw controls air, so having it all the way out is adding lots of air. Has the hole that the screw goes into gotten crushed over the years of being over tightened? I've read about that too. Should be no more than 3 turns out from the bottom. How's your fast idle cam screw?

[deathwing]

Thanks for your incite!

Ok! So, got it all working. Idles still a bit weak at the moment but I have one, and ordered new jets on monday and waiting on them to arrive to fine tune it. Other than that though, its super smooth. No lag or bogging down. And full powerband straight to redline! And I love the new sound

Some pics: