Author Topic: Solex Carb (Read 2580 times)

James Buchan · « **on:** January 10, 2005, 07:40:33 AM »

I picked up an engine for free yesterday and it has a carb that I have never seen before on it.

It's a solex centre mount but it is dual throat. The base of it is rectangle where it connects to the manifold but there isn't any stamping on it to identify the model (I have to clean it up to be sure). I'll click a pic of it tonight as I want to identify it.

The engine also had an 009 and a spin on oil filter attachment as well - not bad for free!

The crank pulley keyway is munched though - hope it's just a stock crank!

Bruce · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2005, 02:08:34 PM »

Its a solex 2bbl progressive. Works just like the Weber version.

James Buchan · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2005, 02:09:44 PM »

Hmmm cool I guess - Are they any good?

James Buchan · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2005, 09:56:49 AM »

I found some info on the carb:

Quote

Carburetor- After repeated attempts to get my 009 Distributor and Solex 34Pict3 carburetor to work together, I've decided to scrap the carb and move onto a bigger, better one. (That combination above seems to have a terrible flat spot right off idle)

So, my hunt began for a 2 barrel replacement. I limited my self to a single, center mounted 2 barrel because of my AC compressor which sits off to one side. I think this would hit the carburetor if I installed a single carb for each side.

That left me with only a Webber 2 barrel (32/36) to choose from. I found a donor who had an extra 2 barrel, intake, and air cleaner for sale. I bought it. Now starts the weird part...

After bringing home the setup, I noticed that the carburetor said \"SOLEX\" across the side, and not Webber. I quickly measured the venturis and found them both to be 34mm in size. The linkage was progressive. There was a single, electric choke located on the primary butterfly. I found a model number: C34TCIC13/K5. I began calling around to find a rebuild kit for this carb. No luck. Most people had never heard of a progressive, 2 barrel Solex! The other people (read: minority) said they had seen or heard of them, but they had no idea where I might be able to find a rebuild kit. I was told that it was a unit released to compete with the Webber back in the 70's & 80's. It never took on and they stopped selling the unit.

(If any reader has info on this carb, please email me!)

Now began my worldwide search on the internet...I found one repair shop in England that knew of this unit. They explained that it was used as OEM on the '76-81 Fiat Beta in Europe. They also explained that the unit was a good performer, rare, and sought after in Europe. Just by chance, he had a spare rebuild kit! I quickly ordered it from him.

Why did I stick with this carb and not purchase a more common Webber?

1. The Solex 2 barrel is MUCH easier to work on, especially when you need to start changing jets for tuning.

2. I was able to get refunded for the cost of the rebuild kit, so the overall cost was basically zero! At that point, why not try it out. I can always buy a Webber and bolt it on if it doesn't work well. (They both use the same center section)