My Solex Story

[gcdpetaluma]

I want to share a recent experience surrounding ongoing challenges with my 1966 car. The majority of the problems centered with carburation. You guessed it she has Solex carbs. Several experienced mechanics helped me over my 7 years of ownership. Until recently the car visited many N. Calf shops. Perhaps the law of averages caught up with me. I found two extremely knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Both love our hobby and are great people to boot. My journey started with a Porsche shop in Berkeley Ca. and ended in my college town of Chico Ca. Ben Kirchner (Retro Sport) and Paul Abbott (Performance Oriented) were simply amazing to work with. They both far exceeded my expectations. Both guys actually drove to my house and worked on my car. Can you believe that in today’s world! These cars can be a handful for a shade tree machine like myself. Paul and Ben renewed my confidence in the hobby and took the time to teach me about the Black Art of Solex. If you’re in need of expert advice please consider reaching out to these guys. They know the score and you will not be disappointed.

[Darren65]

Nice post

[NeunElf]

I've met Paul Abbott--he struck me as very knowledgeable and helpful. But, my Solex carbs have been surprisingly trouble-free. I've joked that the biggest problem is that (partly because they have fewer moving parts than most carbs) you seldom touch them and you forget how to tune them.

Which set of jets do you have?

From Engine:	900101		900324		903360
	1-Sep-1964		15-Dec-1964		8-Dec-1965
To Engine:	900323		903359		903910
	14-Dec-1964		7-Dec-1965		21-Feb-1966
Venturi	30		30		30
Main Jet	117.5		130		125
Air Correction Jet	150		160		180
Emulsion Tube	25		8	open bottom	8	open bottom
Idle Jet	60		60		55
Idle Air Bleed	1		1		1
Float Needle Valve	2		2		2
Enrichment Jet	80		80		80
Injection Nozzle	0.5	diameter	0.5	diameter	0.8	diameter, front
					0.5	diameter, calibrated
Pump	0.8		0.8		0.8
Float Weight	7	grams	7	grams	7	grams
Injection Quantity	0.45 - 0.50	cm³	0.45 - 0.50	cm³	0.45 - 0.50	cm³
	2	strokes, warm	2	strokes, warm	2	strokes, warm
	0.55 - 0.60	cm³	0.55 - 0.60	cm³	0.55 - 0.60	cm³
	2	strokes, cold	2	strokes, cold	2	strokes, cold

[Haasman]

Took my early car Webers to Paul Abbott. The bad news- they weren't matched, slightly different model series. The remarkable good news- incredibly Paul had the match on his shelf to make a pair.

Excellent work and they are even bench tested on his test rig.

[Bradford]

Are these Solexes original to the car, or were they swapped with something else and then you went back to the Solexes?

[NeunElf]

Are these Solexes original to the car, or were they swapped with something else and then you went back to the Solexes?

Mine are original although I'm on my second "tandem pump."

[John Straub]

I love the solexes on my '65! They work great with no flat spots! It took a little time to learn how to tune them, but then, perfect!

John