Douglas P. Broome / douglas.broome@verizon.net / November 25, 2019
Miscellaneous Considerations Pertaining to Solex Carburetors in Mercedes-Benz Pontons
The carburetor is running lean if there is backfiring and popping upwards out of it.
If there is black soot in the outlet of the tailpipe, and/or puffs of dark smoke coming out of it, the engine is running rich.
The car idles (1500 rpm or below) on an idle circuit in the carburetor, which is a separate series of passages in the carburetor; they function only to allow the car to idle.
Any speed above idle speed (1500 rpm or below) uses the main circuit in the carburetor, which is fed by the accelerator pump diaphragm.
Drive the car and accelerate. As it starts to pop and hesitate, pull out the choke, which enriches the gasoline/air mixture. The car's operation should smooth out.
Suggestions
Disassemble the carburetor and soak in carburetor cleaner.
Or, remove the top cover, remove accelerator pump diaphragm, and spray everything with carb spray.
Only use a factory part when replacing the diaphragm, which may be expensive, but is worth the cost when compared with anything aftermarket.
Readjust the nuts acting on the accelerator pump lever to get a nice steady stream of gasoline squirting from the discharge nozzle.
Created: November 25, 2019 / Jeff Miller
Last Update: November 25, 2019
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