SP inlet and carb info reqd please.(ASAP!)

[Pete B]

Hi there folks. Following a rather tortured series of events, I am now (or at least in the morning) continuing to throw my engines top end back together. What I need to know is; 'Should there be a gasket between the inlet manifold and head on my 1600 single port engine?' No gasket or seal was to be found upon removal and no mention in Mr Haynes book of wisdom or in any catalogue I have seen. Would like to know asap, chucking it back together tomorrow.
Also, carbs. My 30 PICT-2 has deposited its accelerator pump injector tube (the brass one pressed in to point fuel down the venturi) down the inlet tract and I am reluctant to replace it (when one found) in case it happens again. Can anyone recomend a new replacement such as those offered by GSF, Cool Air etc for about the £100 mark? I have previously tried the Empi (Chinese crap) thing from JK with no success. The ease with which they agreed to a refund made me believe it happens a lot!
Alternatively, anyone got a good OE Solex for a 16sp they would sell?
I am desperate to get this up and running again for Brighton Breeze, just four weeks away. The engine needs putting back together, installing and the carb/poor running issue resolving, and next Saturday I go abroad (working) for two weeks!
Many thanks, Pete.

 

[Araon]

Pete I might have a couple of spare 30s' with unknown history I'll have a rummage either tomorrow or worst saturday morning see if theres enough of a decent one to make use of....

 

[sparkywig]

Just took mine off. I didn't have a gasket at the heads.
If you're stuck you can borrow my carb.

 

[Pete B]

Arraon, thanks a lot, if you have something that may work that would be a great help! Will be a few days yet before ready to run but would be good to have a plan of attack! Please let me know on here or on 07881-800-509 and I can pop over to collect.
Thanks again, Pete.
Sparkywig, no gasket huh? Looks like thats the way but seems odd! Borrow your carb!!?? Wow, what an offer! Where are you if I should want to?

 

[retrokid]

There should be a round 'crush' washer in between the single port manifold and cylinder head... It sits on a lip on the intake of the head. Defo worth replacing while everything is apart.

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Pete,

You should definitely have a gasket/washer between the head and the intake manifold. As retro notes, this is a large crush washer that sits into the round depression in the head. In turn the end of the intake manifold fits into the depression and crushes that washer when the intakle manifold foot is tightened down to the head. Most times when removing the intake manifold the washer does NOT come out. It needs to be picked out and replaced with a new crush washer before mounting up the intake manifold again.

A 1600 SinglePort engine should be running either a 30PICT2 or a 30PICT3. A 30PICT3 seems to be a bit easier to live with than a 30PICT2, but that's just my opinion. Putting your hands on one of these carburetors should not be that hard. Putting your hands on one of these carbs that is in good shape is another matter. If you manage to buy one in indeterminate condition it would be best to rebuild the carburetor. And there is also the matter of the throttle plate bushings. They do go bad and leak after long usage necessitating a rebushing.

Or you might go for a 30/31PICT. The Brosol and Bocar flavors of this carb are NOT God's gift to carburetion. But with a proper cleaning and set-up they can do a pretty fair job. Don't attempt to bolt one of these in straight out of the box though. They most definitely need to be cleaned out before installation.

 

[sparkywig]

Hello Pete, I'm in Bristol if you want the carb for a while.
It was running fine before I took it off. I'm fitting an alternator conversion and twin 34's, so it's redundant at present.
Sorry, just checked and the crush washer is buried in the inlet manifold.

 

[noddy]

The manifold to head gasket maybe there if they are aluminum ones it may look like part of the head. Gasket seat in the head should have a square side, if not then you may have gaskets in there.

Best one Ive used are from status-vw they sell copper ones which seemed to work better, ie easier to get a seal without having to over tighten the manifold to head fixings.

As for the accelerator jet I can send you one, when you fit it put the end of a flat bladed screwdriver on the lip of the feral and tap it home.

Ive stripped and rebuilt several SP carbs and always take this jet off to clean it through, and never had one come out in service after a rebuild.

PM me and I will get one in the post to you.

 

[Pete B]

Thanks so very much to all of you who have replied. I have upon close inspection discovered the crush washers mentioned, their being makes perfect sense. Those fitted must have been crushed several times by the looks of them!
And, despite the fantastically generous offer, the south west is a little far to travel in this instance!.Sparkywig, you are a true gent with your offer of help, I will not forget this.
I have to say I feel rather deflated now by putting this engine together in this manner. The valve train is tired, yes , but new barrels and pistons, lapping those barrels into the heads along with lapping the valves in could have extended its sevrviceable life a lot. Still, at least with having a look inside, I know what is there to greet me next time! Generator and exhaust system to fit in the morning, then the fun of fitting an engine on the (gravel) driveway with a tiny 'in an emergency only' trolley jack!
Noddy, PM to folow shortly.

 

[Pete B]

Well, got the top end back together and back in the bus, might as well have gone the whole hog with the time it took cleaning stuff enough to re-assemble! Postal delays sadly meant that despite the valiant efforts of Noddy, the replacement part did not arrive before I left for S.A.
Returned this Saturday, but that weary did nothing until this afternoon. However, once on the job (so to speak...) am now a very happy bloke! I am reluctant to suggest my bus is now running better than ever because that would be tempting fate far too close to the 'Breeze. Last time I said such a thing, two days later it all went pear shaped. Still, today has been good, very good, steady idle, pulling very strong, (for an old tired engine...) smooth, sweet sound etc. Valve train is worn and makes a racket, but knew that anyway. Will venture further over the next few days to see when it starts pissing oil everywhere (inevitable, even with all that 'Hylomar' on the joints!)
I have to say a HUGE 'thank you' to Noddy, who sent me a replacement accelerator pump tube and gave invaluable advice also, what a top man! Despite my requests, he has yet to state what I owe him, so if anyone knows what variety of beer he drinks, please let me know!
Not wanting to wish my life away,(and shed loads of paperwork to do before then) but 'Roll on Friday!!', and lets get down to Brighton, party time!!!!!!
See you there boys and girls

 

[faux]

Hi Pete

Glad to hear it is up and running and I'm looking forward to the 200 mile journey to catch up with everyone.

I'll keep your fingers crossed you if you do the same for my little 1600sp :lol: :mrgreen:

 

[Pete B]

Thanks Jon, will be keeping everything crossed for the both of us mate! With your name not being on the line up list and the distance you have to travel, I just presumed you would not be attending. Good news that you are! Look forward to catching up, it's been a while!

 

[Graham L]

Pete

Glad its up and running and look forward to seeing you on Friday down at the racecourse, is Aaron with you this weekend?

 

[Pete B]

Hi Graham. Yes, Aaron is with me, picking him up from school (3.30) then straight down to the racecourse with maybe a diversion to pick up a pizza in Brighton! The AA are not showing any delays around Dartford now, so hoping for a 3 to 3 1/2 hr run. You have the lads coming too yeah?, going to be a big party, see you there mate!!