Reply To: Solex 35
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BernieAndré
Unfortunately, information for this particular carb is not amongst the documents available on the Forum archive.
However, I did find the following on the interweb ….
Solex fai manual – The Solex FAI is a classic self-starting downdraught carburetor, commonly found on vintage vehicles like classic Rovers and early Peugeots. It relies on a unique bi-starter (choke) mechanism and precise idle jet circuits to meter fuel.
Specific information for the FAI model is detailed in its dedicated Solex FAI Parts & Operators Manual. General operation, tuning, and servicing procedures span several specific areas:
1. The Starting Device (Choke)The FAI has a self-starting mechanism rather than a traditional air-valve choke.Operation: Pulling the starter cable opens a secondary air/fuel passage and bypasses the main throttle.Important: When operating this device during a cold start, the throttle butterfly must remain fully closed. Pumping the gas pedal will cause the engine to stall.
2. Tuning and AdjustmentsIdle Mixture: If the engine surges or stumbles and drips fuel when the throttle is opened, the mixture is too rich.Float Levels: The fuel level inside the chamber is factory-fixed. If you change to higher fuel pump pressures, a smaller needle valve or different thickness washers under the needle valve may be required to compensate.Jets: Standard tuning requires verifying that the correct air and fuel jets are installed for your specific engine size.
3. Maintenance
the ‘float height’ is regulated by the thickness of the washer under the needle valve.
According to items 2 and 3 above, as long as no big change has been made to fuel pump pressure, the combination of washer and valve in a service kit should therefore give the correct shut-off height.
I had fitted an electric pump on thd Légère, mainly for priming purposes. When running it did not flood the carb, so I think the fuel pressure is therefore not quite so critical and you are less likely to require a different needle valve height.
B…..