Amazon: Zenith delete - any modern kits for the 1,6 liter?

[Rustinmotion]

Originally Posted by samaron

Pardon my intrusion!

I have tried seeking help and advise from domestic car clubs and forums, but with limited success. This forum appear to be very active, so hopefully some better input can be obtained.

The issue I'm having with my 1958 Amazon is the carburetor. Due to the age, the car does have the 1,6 liter engine that is different from the ones used in the 1960s. The carburetor type is Zenith 34 VN. It just doesn't run right.

I will not bore you with all the details, but believe me when I say I have spent many weeks and hours doing diagnostics. The fuel and ignition system has had all parts replaced with brand new where possible. Old, used parts have been verified to be in good working order. Compression is within spec and valve clearances have been checked and adjusted.

In the end, the conclusion is that the carburetor has a vacuum leak through the throttle shaft and the joint between the venturi/float chamber. The most noticable symptom is the idle RPM being too high. The adjusting screw is all the way out and not touching the shaft lever.

Since I already have spent too many hours pulling it apart several times (with new rebuild kits every time), bought a different identical carburetor and have paid a specialist to rebuild one of them, it still ended up with the same result. Therefore I wish to install a brand new modern carburetor. Something that actually has a warranty.

My goal is not tuning/performance, nor do I wish something that has worse fuel economy.

Several have suggested I buy a Weber. Kits are supposedly readily available, but so far I have only found for the later engines. Does anyone know where I could purchase a kit that fits my engine?

If kits are not available for this engine, would it be as simple as getting an adapter plate made, to fit the carburetor? Weber 32/36 DGV appear to be what most kits include, but I am concerned adapting it to fit the 34mm(?) hole in my manifold will cause problems. None of the carburetors I have seen from Weber appear to resemble the original Zenith regardless.

Other suggestions are welcome. I have even entertained the idea of getting modern programmable fuel injection fitted. However, I feel part of the charm with the car is the fact it doesn't have any transistors.

Try these people they have conversion kits for B18 and seem to do a lot of old rare carb rebuilds, they might be able to re jet one of the B18 downdraughts or ream out and fit a bigger throttle shaft

https://classiccarbs.co.uk

[Derek UK]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

The Weber 34ICH is a common upgrade on the Saab V4 in the 95/96. The 25 choke type, the number is cast on the side of the carb, and should be fine. They come in 23, 25 and 27. The 27 is available as a kit for the B18 from BCCP in the Netherlands as a replacement for the 36VN on the B18A. It does give useful improvements to power and MPG. They might do a kit for the B16.
https://www.bccp.nl/
The Zeniths are always a bit leaky but they are usually reliable. Make sure the carb to manifold face is flat. Don't over tighten the nuts. If not flat correct it with abrasive paper on a sheet of glass. Similar VN's were used on Fords of the era and you may be able to use one of those. New ones are around and not too expensive.

Sorry, but I have given wrong info there. The choke sizes are 25, 27, 29mm. The 27 is fine for the 1500cc Ford engine in the Saab so should suit the B16. The 29mm is listed for the Land Rover and Bedford CF engine. Both are 2.2 litre so the 29 should be suitable when correctly jetted for the B18/20.

[grumpydad]

Hi
how about this pair SU HS 4
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175461257...gaAk6VEALw_wcB

then https://www.boggbros.com/ inlet manifold

hope that helps

[samaron]

I ended up ordering a rebuilt carburetor from VP Autoparts. Fingers crossed...

Attempted to smear some wheel bearing grease around the suspect leak areas. Was a bit windy and dark, so most likely didn't cover all the areas properly. However, it did improve the idle RPM some for a little while. Low enough for the amp light to start glowing slightly.

[c1800]

Originally Posted by samaron

I ended up ordering a rebuilt carburetor from VP Autoparts. Fingers crossed...

Attempted to smear some wheel bearing grease around the suspect leak areas. Was a bit windy and dark, so most likely didn't cover all the areas properly. However, it did improve the idle RPM some for a little while. Low enough for the amp light to start glowing slightly.

You could also, while engine running, try some brake or carb cleaner, WD40, or simply water, sprayed at the suspect spots.