Section : Carburettors

Strombergs question 

Posted By : Martin Robinson, 27-Jun-2003, 07:18pm

Hi all,

Sorry if this seems a dumb line of questioning, but I'm new to GT6s... mine's a Mk3 1971.

I was tinkering under the bonnet yesterday, seeing what's what and checking that everything's attached and I got round to the carbs. How do you tell what type carb it is? It says "Stromberg CD" on the top, but I can't find any other numbers or markings! They also have a small red sticker on the side saying something like "Emission Control System", which I thought was a US "feature".

I was looking at a Haynes manual for reference - let me know if that's my first mistake - and I can't seem to tell what type it is. There's no thumbscrew on the bottom and it looks like it has temp compensator bits on the side, but the distributor looks like a standard issue one. The car's been a bit of a pig to tune and still doesn't idle well. Do these sound like the right bits or has it been butchered with the wrong carbs? The PO also fitted K&Ns and a club sports exhaust...

Any recommendations? The engine no's KE922HE if that helps shed any light on things...

Thanks for your time chaps - educate me!

Martin

• Strombergs question 

  Posted By : Graham Reeks, 30-Jun-2003, 08:08am

  Hi Martin
  
  If you check the 4 screws on top of the dashpots one screw on each carb should have a brass tag attached (although these could have been lost). These should have a number that identifies the exact carb spec. e.g 34423. If you go to the burlen website (burlen.co.uk) you can search by car and/or carb spec. This should tell you what needles should be used in the carbs. Take the piston out of them and check the stamp at the top of the needle ... this is done by gently pulling the needle down and the stamp will be in small letters near the needle base. If you have K&Ns then the needle should be different to the ones specified. Call Burlen and ask them what they should be. Equally if the brass tags are missing you could try checking the needle stamp and searching for the needle on the website.
  
  Is the dissy a Lucas one? 45D or somesuch? This is a common exchange I believe, as it is supposed to be more reliable than the Delco Remy, and was used on the Vitesse.

  • Strombergs question 

    Posted By : Martin Robinson, 30-Jun-2003, 08:29am

    Thanks for that Graham...
    I'll have a look just as soon as the rain stops... oh for a garage!
    
    Is there a "right" carb for the car btw? or does it not matter as long as the right needle's in?
    
    Cheers,
    Martin

    • Strombergs question 

      Posted By : Yan Holland, 30-Jun-2003, 09:27am

      As for your question about a 'right' carb for the car it depends upon when the vehicle was built.
      
      Mk. I cars through to early Mk. III's (I think) used Stromberg 150 CD
      
      Later Mk. III's used the Stromberg CD3 - this carb is used after KE/KE 10,000 (If I remember correctly don't have my parts book at the moment) and is essential the same casting as a CDSE but without some of the bolt on extras.
      
      The other types of carbs used are all for the various emission control markets which you shouldn't have fitted to the car - unless its a repatriation!
      
      If you are still confused as to which carb is 'right' then have a look at the Mk. III ammended section of the workshop manual (It's at the back) this lists carbs types for the car through the various years.
      
      Hope that helps,
      Yan

      • Strombergs question 

        Posted By : Martin Robinson, 01-Jul-2003, 01:29pm

        Thanks Yan,
        
        As far as I can tell from the manual and looking at the pics, they're the emission control ones... but without any of the other gubbins that was fitted to the US engines. Hence the difficulty tuning I guess? The car's RHD and has a UK engine number, and appears to have been in blighty all its life. I'm guessing the best thing and least hassle would be to replace the Strombergs with original-spec ones? The PO probably picked these up cheap somewhere!
        
        Cheers,
        Martin

        • Strombergs question 

          Posted By : Don Cook, 01-Jul-2003, 05:09pm

          hang on Martin - you might end up replacing like with like!
          
          My GT6 is 1971 and engine no. 499 (or thereabouts) so it's not a million miles away from yours. The point is that my CD150s have the same red "For Emission Control Systems" sticker on them. I think it refers to the 'English' emision control system fitted to our cars as opposed to the American emission system.
          
          I'd check on the needles and whether they are suitable for your K&Ns first. Rough running could be electrical!
          
          If you are going to Stafford then have the mobile tuners check it over - only &163;30 to be brought back to standard spec. Well worth it and...err...mines a Stella.
          
          Don

          • Strombergs question 

            Posted By : Martin Robinson, 01-Jul-2003, 09:49pm

            Hmm, I think Mr Haynes managed to confuse me right proper! Quel surprise...
            
            The tag on the carb translates to 150CDSE on the Burlen website, which I guess is what it should be... As for checking the needles, much as I like taking things to bits I think I'll read up a bit before my inaugural carb-stripping, but how hard can it be!
            
            The tuning guys at Stafford sound like a good deal - I gather everything has to be in good order to make it worthwhile though?
            
            Stella? I thought bitter was the choice of classic car buffs!
            
            Cheers,
            Martin

            • Strombergs question 

              Posted By : Graham Reeks, 02-Jul-2003, 07:41am

              Checking the needles really isn't tricky Martin. Simply unscrew the four screws on top of the carb. Gently lift the top off, and then lift the piston out - there is a black rubber diaphragm that will lift up with the piston and has to come with.
              
              Out the bottom of the piston is the needle. Gently pull the needle down (it's sprung) and read the numbers/letters at the base ... unless you've got good eyes you might need some glasses or whatever it is you people wear as the print is small.
              
              Obviously check that both needles are the same number!!! And also that the needles aren't corroded ... they can turn green.
              
              Putting them back together is a reversal, however one warning: The black rubber diaphragm has a locating tab around the outer rim. This fits into the slot provided for it on the right hand/radiator side of the carb and prevents it moving, tearing etc, as well as making sure you've put it back together properly. Ensure this slots back into place!
              
              When you've done this and are satisfied/annoyed that everything's right/wrong ... mine's a Bateman's XXXB, but no pork scratchings i'm on a diet.

              • Strombergs question 

                Posted By : Martin Robinson, 02-Jul-2003, 11:18am

                Cool, doesn't sound too hard at all!
                
                Hm, cheap round so far too - I hope it doesn't get too expensive... is this a subversive way of charging for using message board!?
                
                Thanks,

  • Strombergs question 

    Posted By : Martin Robinson, 04-Jul-2003, 02:40pm

    Hi again,
    
    I've checked all the carb details on the Burlen site, and they're fitted with the standard needle B5BT. The man at Burlen says they can't help in recommending for non-standard setups...
    
    Any tips? Has anyone got a similar setup? What needles do you use?
    
    Many thanks,
    Martin

    • Strombergs question 

      Posted By : Adrian Lee, 06-Jul-2003, 00:34am

      Advice.................throw them in the bin and get some HS6 SU`s,Sport car Supplies do adaptor plate s(sorry Craig),if you have MK1 cylinder head.I.e "tubes down the outside of the head.
      
      HS 6`s were common to a variety of ill-engineered Britsih cars of that time,Triumphs,jags ........even Saab 99`s had them,although they were badly engineered Swedish cars.............with a british block.