New needles for Stromberg

PostPost by: collins_dan » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:18 pm

It's running rich and I just learned that the PO hadn't replaced them
in a long time. I likely have B1G in now as its a federal S4 SE.
What's the collective POV on B1G vs B1Y vs B2AR... or any others that
I'm not aware of. I use the car mostly for spirited around town
driving as opposed to racing. I bought the book on how to rebuild them
and am wondering if I can replace the needles with the carbs still in
the car, or if I need to pull everything out? THanks. Dan
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PostPost by: lotuselan2 » Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:31 pm

Dan

I changed my Europa years ago to B1Y and they worked fine. You want the
adjustable needles in any case, not all of them are. I am not sure if it is
the needle that is different of the "float" mechanism. Adjustment is made
with an extra long Allen key, AFTER you loosen the set screw. (Yes, I
forgot that little screw once or twice!)



The job is easy. Just lift of the top cover and raise the "float" (that is
not the right word for it) out turn it upside down for access to the needle.
Take care with the rubber diaphragm. A little penetrating oil might be
needed.



Ken

'69 Lotus Elan +2 with BDR

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From: ***@***.***lto:***@***.*** Behalf
Of collins_dan2000
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 4:18 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] New needles for Stromberg



It's running rich and I just learned that the PO hadn't replaced them
in a long time. I likely have B1G in now as its a federal S4 SE.
What's the collective POV on B1G vs B1Y vs B2AR... or any others that
I'm not aware of. I use the car mostly for spirited around town
driving as opposed to racing. I bought the book on how to rebuild them
and am wondering if I can replace the needles with the carbs still in
the car, or if I need to pull everything out? THanks. Dan
'69 Lotus Elan +2 with Cosworth BDR
'84 Ferrari 400i
'94 Subaru SVX
'04 Audi allroad
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PostPost by: daves56 » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:31 pm

Dan,



I think most people would agree that the engines run a little rich. The
plugs tend to foul if the engine idles for too long. There's been a fair
amount of discussion about plugs. Anyways, you should determine whether
you have the pistons with the adjustable needles or not. You don't have
to remove the carbs, just unscrew the carb top and remove the top,
spring and air valve assembly. Drain the oil out the damper tube and
look inside. If it has what appears to be a hex head than you can get an
adjustment tool and adjust it that way.



If it's non-adjustable than you have to get a little creative. Turn the
piston assembly upside-down and observe where the needles are in
relation to the bottom of the air valve. Loosen the set screws in the
side of the valve and pull the needles out. If they don't move then put
the assembly in a small jar (first remove the diaphragm) and soak the
assembly in carb cleaner overnight. Do not try to pull them out with
brute force or pliers. Slide the needles back in place and use a feeler
guage to determine how much the needle assembly should be positioned in
or out of the air valve. Turns out they can be adjusted quite quickly
but you might have to experiment some.



Also look at the Stromberg needle program that some patient soul
uploaded in the Golden Gate Lotus Club tech section. The Excel program
draws nice little diagrams of all your favorite needle sizes.
http://www.gglotus.org/ggtech/ggtech.htm#907 The needle size B1G is not
at all linear. It was probably chosen for emissions so there may be many
needles that are a better choice.



Have fun,

Dave Sutcliffe

69' +2

77" Esprit V8





________________________________

From: ***@***.***lto:***@***.***
Behalf Of collins_dan2000
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:18 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] New needles for Stromberg



It's running rich and I just learned that the PO hadn't replaced them
in a long time. I likely have B1G in now as its a federal S4 SE.
What's the collective POV on B1G vs B1Y vs B2AR... or any others that
I'm not aware of. I use the car mostly for spirited around town
driving as opposed to racing. I bought the book on how to rebuild them
and am wondering if I can replace the needles with the carbs still in
the car, or if I need to pull everything out? THanks. Dan
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PostPost by: collins_dan » Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:40 pm


been a fair amount of discussion about plugs.

I've read the discussions about plugs and changed to NGK BP6ES last
year and the plugs look much better, but the car can't idle for 2
seconds after its warmed up before it starts running really rough
and feeling like its going to stall.


program draws nice little diagrams of all your favorite needle sizes.

may be many needles that are a better choice.

How do I know from looking at the needle and jet to know if they are
worn and should be replaced. What am I looking for? I think that I
am going to change to adjustable, is B2AR the best choice?

Dan
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PostPost by: lotuselan2 » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:53 am

Dan

The needles are spring loaded to push the needle against one side of the
orifice in the carb body. That side of the needle will wear a flat spot
that is usually very visible. How worn is worn? To answer that you would
have to look at a lot of needles over a long period of time. If the flat
spot is easily notice without a magnifying glass it is probably WORN.



Ken

'69 Lotus Elan +2 with BDR

_____

From: ***@***.***lto:***@***.*** Behalf
Of collins_dan2000
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 2:41 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Re: New needles for Stromberg





been a fair amount of discussion about plugs.

I've read the discussions about plugs and changed to NGK BP6ES last
year and the plugs look much better, but the car can't idle for 2
seconds after its warmed up before it starts running really rough
and feeling like its going to stall.


program draws nice little diagrams of all your favorite needle sizes.

is not at all linear. It was probably chosen for emissions so there
may be many needles that are a better choice.

How do I know from looking at the needle and jet to know if they are
worn and should be replaced. What am I looking for? I think that I
am going to change to adjustable, is B2AR the best choice?

Dan
'69 Lotus Elan +2 with Cosworth BDR
'84 Ferrari 400i
'94 Subaru SVX
'04 Audi allroad
lotuselan2
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Posts: 556
Joined: 19 Oct 2005

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