I am working on a 1975 280C with the Solex carb. Does anyone know where you can get the rod to check the fuel level in the bowls. And if so how do you use it. I am sure it goes down through the bowl vent. Is the level measured from the bottom of the bowl or from the top of the vent. If from the top of the vent is it from the top of the casting or do you mesure with the little metal plate attached. If some one has the mesurements I could probably make one.
Thanks.

I would not trust any measurement made through the top. You will have to remove the cover to change it anyway. The proper way to set the level is with the top off. The level should be 5mm from the top of the bowl. The measurement should be to the surface level and not to the miniscus.

To do the measurement you should disable the ignition by pulling the small connector from the ignition box. Put one finger over the float axle retainer spring (it is normally held by the now removed top). Have someone crank the engine till no more fuel comes into the bowl. At that point the level should 5mm below the top surface.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician