Solex carb

Types of Solex Carb

A Solex carb is a carburetor for petrol engines that is designed and manufactured by the French company Marcel Solex. It was established in 1905. Solex carburetors are known for their reliability and ease of use. They have been used on a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

The different types of Solex carburetors are as follows:

• 1. 1-barrel carburetors: These carburetors have a single throttle valve and one venturi chamber. They are simple and reliable. They are usually used on small engines and in vehicles that do not require a lot of power. Solex 28-34 series carburetors are often found on older vehicles with 4-cylinder engines.
• 2. 2-barrel carburetors: These carburetors have two throttle valves and two venturi chambers. They offer better performance and are suitable for larger engines. Some of the 32-40 series carburetors are used in performance tuning. Solex 38-44 series carburetors are often found on vehicles with 6-cylinder engines. They are used in vehicles that require a lot of power, such as sports cars or trucks.
• 3. 3-barrel carburetors: These carburetors are less common. They have three throttle valves and three venturi chambers. They are used in high-performance applications, such as racing.
• 4. Electric choke carburetors: These carburetors use an electric heater to open and close the choke valve. They are more precise and offer better fuel metering compared to other carburetors.
• 5. Manual choke carburetors: These carburetors require the driver to manually open and close the choke valve using a cable.

Other types of Solex carburetors include the 4-barrel carburetor, variable venturi carburetor, and downdraft carburetor.

Specification and maintenance of Solex carb

Solex carburetors are known for their precision engineering and high-quality materials.

• Flow Capacity

  The flow capacity of a Solex carburetor is determined by its venturi size, which is measured in millimeters. Common venturi sizes include 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 mm. A larger venturi size allows for greater airflow and fuel delivery, making it suitable for high-performance engines. However, it may result in reduced low-end torque and fuel efficiency. When selecting a Solex carburetor, consider the intended use of the vehicle and the engine's characteristics to choose the appropriate venturi size.

• Jet Size

  Solex carburetors use standardized jet sizes, which are often indicated by a number followed by the letter "s" (e.g., 120s, 130s). The jet size determines the fuel flow rate into the venturi and affects the air-fuel mixture. Larger jet sizes provide richer fuel mixtures, while smaller sizes offer leaner mixtures. Jet size selection should be based on factors such as altitude, temperature, and engine modifications.

• Needle and Seat Size

  The needle and seat assembly controls fuel delivery into the carburetor's float chamber. Needle and seat sizes are specified in millimeters (e.g., 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm). A larger needle and seat size can accommodate increased fuel demand for high-performance engines. When upgrading to a Solex carburetor for improved engine performance, consider replacing the needle and seat assembly to match the carburetor's specifications.

Maintaining Solex carburetors is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. Here are some tips:

• Regular Cleaning

  Use a carburetor cleaner or a mixture of gasoline and solvent to remove dirt, deposits, and varnish. Pay attention to the jets, venturis, and fuel passages. Rinse thoroughly with gasoline before reinstalling the carburetor.

• Inspect Gaskets and Seals

  Check for wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace damaged gaskets and seals with genuine Solex carburetor parts. Ensure proper sealing to prevent air leaks and fuel wastage.

• Adjusting the Carburetor

  The carburetor should be adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure correct operation. This includes setting the idle speed, the mixture of idle and synchronizing the choke, and the accelerator pump. These adjustments should be made using the appropriate tools and in accordance with the service manual. Correct carburetor adjustments ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and low emissions.

How to choose Solex carb

Before purchasing a Solex carb for retail business, it is essential to understand how to choose the right one. Here are some tips:

• Vehicle Specification

  When selecting the right Solex carburetor for a vehicle, it is important to consider the vehicle's specifications, including the make, model, and year. Additionally, the vehicle's engine size, type, and performance requirements should be considered. This is important because different vehicles require different carburetor specifications to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

• Carburetor Size

  Carburetor size is an important consideration when choosing a Solex carburetor. The size of the carburetor has a significant effect on the vehicle's engine performance. A carburetor that is too small will restrict airflow to the engine, leading to a loss of power and poor performance. Conversely, a carburetor that is too large will cause excessive fuel consumption and may lead to engine fouling. Therefore, it is essential to select a carburetor that is properly sized for the engine to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

• Type of Fuel

  When selecting a Solex carburetor, it is essential to consider the type of fuel used in the vehicle. Different carburetor designs are optimized for use with gasoline or alternative fuels, such as ethanol or propane. For instance, vehicles designed to run on high-octane gasoline may require a carburetor with more precise fuel metering and tuning capabilities to achieve optimal performance. On the other hand, vehicles that use alternative fuels may require a carburetor with modifications to accommodate the different characteristics of the fuel.

• Environmental Regulations

  Environmental regulations are another important consideration when selecting a Solex carburetor. Different regions have varying emissions standards that must be met to comply with environmental regulations. It is important to choose a carburetor that has been designed to meet these regulations, such as low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, some carburetors may have aftermarket modifications or components that further reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, making them more environmentally friendly.

How to DIY and Replace Solex Carb

Carburetors are complex mechanical devices, and it can be challenging to install them without prior experience. However, it is doable. Here are some steps to install a solex carburetor:

• Read the instructions: Before anything, read the manufacturer's instructions manual to understand the process better.
• Prepare the tools: Get all the necessary tools for the job. This includes screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc.
• Disconnect the battery: For safety purposes, always disconnect the battery before working on a car.
• Remove the old carburetor: Start by removing the air cleaner, then disconnect the throttle linkage, vacuum hoses, and electrical connections, if any. After that, drain the fuel from the old carburetor and remove it from the intake manifold using the appropriate wrench.
• Prepare the new carburetor: Before installing the solex carburetor, ensure it is clean and matches the engine specifications. Adjust the float level and check the idle speed and fuel mixture settings, if possible, to match the previous settings.
• Install the new carburetor: Place the carburetor gasket on the intake manifold and position the new carburetor carefully to avoid damaging the gasket. After that, secure it in place with the mounting bolts or nuts. Reconnect the throttle linkage and vacuum hoses and ensure they are in the right place. Also, connect any electrical connections if needed.
• Check for leaks: After installing the carburetor, reconnect the battery and turn the ignition on to check for fuel leaks.
• Adjust the carburetor settings: Depending on the Solex carburetor model, users can adjust the idle speed and fuel mixture settings using a screwdriver. The adjustment screws are often located on the side or top of the carburetor. Turn the screws gently in the desired direction to make the necessary adjustments.
• Reinstall the air cleaner: Once the carburetor is installed and adjusted, reinstall the air cleaner assembly using the appropriate bolts or clips.
• Reconnect the battery: Finally, reconnect the battery and ensure all connections are secure.

Q&A

Q1: What does Solex carburetor numbers mean?

A1: The numbers indicate the size of the carburetor in millimeters. For example, a 32PBIC carburetor has a 32mm throttle bore diameter.

Q2: What is the difference between manual and automatic choke on Solex carburetors?

A2: Manual chokes require the driver to pull a lever to close the choke flap when starting a cold engine. Automatic chokes use engine heat or electricity to close the choke flap and require no driver intervention.

Q3: Can Solex carburetors be tuned for better performance?

A3: Yes, they can be tuned. Adjusting air-fuel mixture screws, changing jet sizes, or modifying the accelerator pump can improve throttle response and overall performance.

Q4: What fuels can be used in Solex carburetors?

A4: Most are designed for regular unleaded petrol. However, some high-performance versions may require super unleaded or higher-octane fuels.

Q5: Are Solex carburetors still used today?

A5: Yes, especially on older vehicles. While newer cars mainly use fuel injection, carburetors like Solex are simpler, cheaper, and more common in many markets worldwide.