Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Has anybody on this forum had their Webers refurbished in the UK within the last year or two? I'm looking for a high quality total re-build of the carbs. The carbs have suffered from water ingress from the fire brigade extinguishing a conflagration. I never thought about that water until I opened the carbs last night. It was like looking into a sewer.
I've heard stories about botched restoration and repair jobs, and I'd like to avoid the culprits.
Thanks,
John Larkin

I have. Excellent service and great communication. I though I had an issue with them once returned and on the car and a very quick response with A very helpful response. Ended up being the timing that was out but I would highly recommend

https://weber-carbs.co.uk/

Steven

Yes I agree. £140 each last year.
https://www.weber-carbs.co.uk/

Thank you for your replies. I had found the guy that you recommend in an internet trawl, and I'm pleased to hear that you both had a good experience. I'll send my carbs to him.

John Larkin wrote:Has anybody on this forum had their Webers refurbished in the UK within the last year or two? I'm looking for a high quality total re-build of the carbs. The carbs have suffered from water ingress from the fire brigade extinguishing a conflagration. I never thought about that water until I opened the carbs last night. It was like looking into a sewer.
I've heard stories about botched restoration and repair jobs, and I'd like to avoid the culprits.
Thanks,
John Larkin

Hi John,

What happened ?

I had a carburetter fire on the startline of a hillclimb last year, prompt action by the marshalls saved the car, the carbs were undamaged, but wiring, throttle cable, throttle springs had to be replaced.

Evans coolant and a number of contributing factors to blame.

Ended up winning the Historic Class second year in succession.

Is Evans a Fire Hazard then
Alan

Hi John,
another thumbs up for Paul at Weber Carb Reconditioning Service.
Myself and a pal have both had Dellortos overhauled by him. He is a classic enthusiast himself with an hot Escort tucked away in the garage.
He was happy to have me deliver my carbs in person after we had spoken. Soon after fitting the gleaming refurbished items I became aware of a slight smell of fuel in the engine bay. I located the issue and Paul accepted the carb back without hesitation. Close inspection showed poor casting and machining of the accelerator pump gasket face. Paul lapped the offending area and rebuilt. Result, a dry carb.

alan.barker wrote:Is Evans a Fire Hazard then
Alan

Not in itself.

It is not flammable, but will burn producing enough white smoke to hide a battleship if it gets into the cylinders, or leaks on to the exhaust manifold.

However, as it doesn't boil until 190 C. it will allow engine temps to reach far higher temps than they were ever designed for.

In my case I was sitting in a slow moving queue at the start of a hillclimb, with an over-advanced ignition and a flat battery. (caused by the over- advanced ECU set the day before by my dyno man! ) I could see the temp was going up, but I was afraid to turn the engine off.

It seems the petrol boiled in the carb bowls and the vapour ignited.

Prompt action by the marshalls on the start line saved the car.

Luicky, lucky !

Hi Foxie,
Pleased for you the Marshals were quick
Alan

Thanks Persiflage!
John Larkin

Sounds like you've chosen someone but to add to list of possible solutions for others - I used Carburettor Exchange in Leighton Buzzard a few years ago.
I seem to recall that Brian Buckland lists them his book.
They had a 6 week waiting list before starting but were very thorough and carbs worked a treat on return.