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Carb Spacer Questions

Hi. My generator packed up in my 71 semi auto 1600 so I replaced it with an Alternator. Unfortunately the throttle levers didn't clear the alternator so I have made a 25mm spacer for under the carb and now the throttle levers just clear. It's taken me about 6 weeks between getting the alternator in and wired and making the aluminium spacer. Got it finished tonight and it fired up first pop, but I've noticed that the engine sounds different almost like a muffler hole.

My first question is, could adding the spacer make the engine sound different?

My second is, should I need to re-tune? Just done it a little while ago.

And third, the engine lid only just shuts. It whacks on the old oil bath air filter and even popped out my flash as chrome 'automatic' sign. It is banging right on the top lip of the filter and is the one with a big round bit at the top. Should I get one of those oil-less small round air filters? or whack the side of the air filter in, or something else? Thanks guys. Andrew NZ`

Reply to
scream
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It's possible.....I suppose. The added height or longer overall length of the intake track can cause a different intake sound (much like a wind instrument, the longer you make it the deeper the tone).

Other than maybe tweaking the idle mixture and speed everything else should be just fine.

I would definitely not "whack the side" of the air filter to make it fit. Original parts are getting scarcer by the day; if the air cleaner is in nice condition it would be a shame to puposely dent it up. A saner way exists for your problem.... I assume your talking about the accelerator pump linkage hitting the alternator. I would recommend you find a used Solex carb off an alternator equipped car and transplant the linkage....the carb can be just a "core" as long as it has the alternator style linkage. An original, German-made 34PICT-3 carb will have the correct linkage setup for the alternator. I had to do this on my '73 when I bought a new carb for it; the replacement carb (made in Mexico) came with an accelerator pump linkage that interfered with my alternator. I simply transfered the linkage from the original German Solex to the new carb and my problems were fixed. Of course if you go this route, you won't need the 25mm spacer (which is quite thick), you won't need to worry about bashing in your air cleaner and your intake track will once again be "singing" in the proper key.

Good Luck! Mike

73T1
Reply to
Mike

Thanks for your reply. Good ideas. I hadn't thought of changing the carb. Andrew

Reply to
scream

You can also notch (grind) the alt. houseing to make clarance for the accelerator pump linkage so no spacer is needed. I've done this many times.

Mario Vintage Werks resto

Reply to
Kafertoys

I thought about it but looked like i'd have to grind out too much. Only just clears with the 25mm spacer. Anyway, it is done now. That noise has gone away now too. Must have just needed a run. What is your view on the non-oil air filters?

Reply to
scream

I would say go with a late model or aquality aftermarket paper filter air cleaner (K&N) if you find one that fits.

Mario Vintage Werks resto

Reply to
Kafertoys

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