electrical and ignition Think I'm Going To Cut My Losses

[jjbunn]

I've about had it trying to fix my rich running / smoking exhaust problem. I can't see what is wrong - everything looks fine, but it's just so frustrating to keep firing the thing up after the latest fiddling around, only to have it warm up and start belching smoke again. I've been weeks off and on messing around with the Weber, the timing, plugs, wires, dizzy, ignition etc.. It started out fun, but now it's gone sour

 

Any bright ideas? Anyone with a known good Solex they want to dispose of? Or should I just put the car up on Ebay and call it a wash? 

 

 

 

 

[markmac]

Maybe a dumb question....but, have you had anyone look at the long block (ie., leak down, rings, compression etc.,)?  Before you throw in the towel, my advice would be to bring it to a professional - someone that works on o2's on a regular basis to sort it out for you.  It will cost you a few bucks, but sometimes when we get too close to things and or have fooled with something too long....you miss the sign that this right in front of your face (spoken from experience),  My worthless o2 cents.  Good luck.

 

www.alpinabmw2002.com

[williamggruff]

Where are you located? There's bound to be someone nearby who can help identify and/ resolve your issues.

[Chamonix72]

I think you should find someone who has a standalone wide band o2 sensor. This is the best, most accurate way to get your carb tuned.

[jjbunn]

I'm in East Pasadena, and would be delighted if anyone nearby has the time to take a look - I offer a 6-pack or bottle of vino :-)

 

There's a shop up on Colorado Blvd. that often has older BMW, Mercs and Porsche, so I may wander in there to see if the mechanic will take a look.

[williamggruff]

I suggest you start two new posts: one post for the carb issue, continuing the thread regarding your power valve, smoke issue, so that you can gain further insights into what you can do to diagnose the issue(s) and get to a solution, and; another post with a title "requesting Weber 32/36 carb assistance in Pasadena".

 

I also recommend, if you haven't already done so, that you buy, borrow, or otherwise acquire several books on Weber tuning.  The 32/36 is likely the easiest carb to get set up correctly on your 2002, and identifying the root cause(s) of your issue(s) should be relatively straight forward.

 

If you can maintain the perspective that this carb tuning challenge is providing you with a valuable learning opportunity, and one that will provide you with longer term benefits of being able to identify and resolve similar issues should you ever encounter them again with your car or with someone else's, you'll find it easier to keep a smile on your face.  If you're frowning and frustrated, your mind isn't doing the creative thinking that you'll need to solve the problem.  A smile and an optimistic, inquisitive perspective will work wonders.

[Ian]

I'm in East Pasadena, and would be delighted if anyone nearby has the time to take a look - I offer a 6-pack or bottle of vino :-)

 

There's a shop up on Colorado Blvd. that often has older BMW, Mercs and Porsche, so I may wander in there to see if the mechanic will take a look.

If you are in Pasadena (Calif, not Texas), why not take a short drive east on the 210 and bring your car to Ireland Engineering in Duarte?  They have loads of experience repairing and racing 2002's, and likely made many of the aftermarket parts that might already be on your car.  I'm originally from Pasadena, and can't think of anyone locally that would be better for a proper 2002 diagnosis. 

Edited October 18, 2013 by Ian

[ClayW]

Find a 2002 guy nearby for a new set of eyes, ears and hands. When he give you advice, be prepared to listen and then spend a little more cash if need be.

 

If I were still in the carb game, I would have bought a brand new Weber 32/36 a while ago.......Just food for thought.

[jjbunn]

The thing smokes so much I'm reluctant to take it on the public roads: it's a bit of a Catch-22! 

 

I'm not sure anymore that it's a carb problem in any case - everything on the carb seems to check out. (The power valve is working correctly.) On the other hand, six months ago, before I started messing with the carb in an attempt to fix a rough idle, there was no smoke/rich running issue. 

 

Thanks for all the suggestions - much appreciated. If anyone reading this lives nearby and would be kind enough to take a look, please contact me.

[roadhog0]

Did you take it apart and forget to put a jet in, or the wrong spot? Personally I would get rid of the Solex and buy a weber!

[OriginalOwner]

 +1 Ireland.

 

Cheers,

 

Carl

[jjbunn]

Did you take it apart and forget to put a jet in, or the wrong spot? Personally I would get rid of the Solex and buy a weber!

 

It is a Weber :-) I do seem to have all the jets that are in the Weber diagrams I've seen.

[Gatopescado]

How much  you want for it? I'll drive it no matter how much it smokes! I ain't in Californy!

[jjbunn]

How much  you want for it? I'll drive it no matter how much it smokes! I ain't in Californy!

It's exempt from smog in CA, but think of the children!

 

The car is on Ebay - not sure if I'm allowed to post the link here, but it's not hard to find.

 

Julian

[Gatopescado]

Snigfargle? Looks better than mine! (I pulled mine out of a field after years of neglect. Rust-free, but everything else is crumbly. Dash looks like a relief map of Bryce Canyon) I think I'll keep an eye on it and see how the bidding goes. Would give me an excuse to head to So Cal and catch a Trojan game. Of course, I have my own tow-dolly since I also own a Jeep!

 

Good luck!