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  #1  
Old 01-08-2003, 09:31 AM
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280c Carb

I will be rebuilding the Solex on my 280c (1974). Anyone know what the best manual is for this project?
Thanks

Paul Varrieur

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  #2  
Old 01-08-2003, 10:54 AM
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The best manual for you to get is the one for Weber carbs... for the one which will fit on your car and use the original air cleaner....Have you done a search on the problems that carb has FROM THE FACTORY.... ? I have a m110 manual and a 1974 280 and I would not consider trying to fix it given how many pages in the manual are dedicated to redoing what the factory did wrong.....Have you done a search on this site for solex threads ?
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  #3  
Old 01-08-2003, 11:39 AM
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I have not searched for a Solex thread. I know of the weber conversion, which uses the original aircleaner. But it is cost prohibitive. (over $600.00). I feel that if I do a basic rebuild I will illiminate the vacuum leaks and accelerator pump problems I have with this carb. I just want to know if anyone has come across detailed rebuild manual. The Mercedes Factory Manual deals more with emmision issues rather than rebuilds.
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  #4  
Old 01-08-2003, 11:51 AM
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You must be looking at New Webers for the cost to be that high... the nice part about webers is that the parts are available for rebuilding them.... thus you don't have to start with a new one to be in good shape...
I got a 32/36 for my Subaru for $200 already kitted... then spent 80 on an adapter and it ran so well I have not even tried tweaking it.. very fast.... 1800 1981 sube wagon.. pushrod engine...it came off an early 1970's mg or triumph... many cars have used the webers...
But you should do a seach to get some idea of all the problems these carbs sometimes present...

Here is the search to click on ....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=317219&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

Someone may have already recommended a manual in those 54 threads....
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  #5  
Old 01-08-2003, 11:56 AM
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weber conversion

The weber conversion I have seen was listed on the net under a Carbureter Dealer. After looking at the supplied pieces, it seemed like this dealer had proprietary parts that enebled such a conversion. Perhaps there is a weber model that would simply bolt up. Anyone know if this is so? It would have to be an improvement over the solex.
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  #6  
Old 01-08-2003, 12:47 PM
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Someone else on this forum posted the deal about the Weber which would fit and allow the continued use of the original aircleaner.. an unusually nice deal with regards to updates... However, if it is simply an adapter plate.. and since I am going to need one also... lets see if we can pin point all the important criteria and me make a couple of them...
I am just afraid from what I have read... that you would have a rebuilt piece of junk when you got through rather than a good working carb for your car....
Why don't you see if you can get a photocopy of that page you saw concerning the potential proprietary stuff and us work from there... I have metal working capability...
The 'proper' Weber is listed somewhere in those threads.... could do a search for Weber also...and Webber...
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  #7  
Old 01-08-2003, 02:30 PM
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Solex again

After reading all the archived posts regarding the Solex I am convinced rebuilding should be my last resort. Mine has all kinds of problems, poor starting, unable to run until fully warmed up, poor throttle tip in, and uneven secondary engagement. I did see a post which listed a company that provided a kit only for the Weber. I will look again and try to give you the details. This still brings up the Weber, and whether to find one used or new. I have contacted Holly as well to see if they offer an adapter system since I have read that other 110 engine owners have used a Holly 390.
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  #8  
Old 01-08-2003, 02:49 PM
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Look here as well

This web site is informative:http://www.redlineweber.com/html/Ap...de/MERCEDES.htm
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  #9  
Old 01-08-2003, 02:57 PM
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I think your current plans/options have a much better chance of giving you satisfaction in the end.... than your original route....
When you find out the spec numbers on the Weber let me know and I will check to see if my Weber source can find you one....
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  #10  
Old 01-08-2003, 09:48 PM
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I agree. When the 4A1's get old, they develop problems that will drive you crazy.

You might do a search on "quadrajet". Someone was playing around with this switch and had some success. Also the small Holleys.
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'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe
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  #11  
Old 01-10-2003, 02:18 PM
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Ah, the grand Solex 4A1 quandary strikes again! :p

As to the best manual to rebuild the beast is the MB 110 Engine manual. There are more pages devoted to the Carburetor system then any other repair job on the engine. The CD's do not go into as much depth as the manual does.

Basically, it is just a Rochester Quadrajet. Taken apart and put next to each other they are nearly exactly alike. It is not a difficult task to rebuild them. If this is your first attempt, it would be wise to lay out your parts in groups and clean by group.

The forums Fastlane has the rebuild kit as well as others online, but would suggest getting the kit from Mercedes as have found the OEM kits gaskets are thinner than which can be bought from Mercedes. Or if there is much warpage on the cover, you can always use two gaskets, but would not go over two. If it has that much warpage, I'd ditch the carb.

Poor starting can be a problem with the choke system, or the TN choke. If it is poor starting when the engine is cold, it maybe the stepped heater is not functioning. Check your fuse No. 4 to see if it has blown. Not sure if your model has a relay box or not which is found on the drivers side next to the radiator. At times these go out affecting the choke cover stepped heater.

If the start mixture is too rich this may be the TN choke which has gone out of adjustment. It is the part that has the two coolant lines going into it. Take it out when the engine is cold to see how large the opening is. When cold the plunger should only be extended 1mm. There is a test procedure for this, email me and I'll outline it for you.

When rebuilding the Solex also check the shafts for wear. They may have to be re-bushed if it has not been done for a while. A good carb shop can do this for you and does not cost much.

Poor secondary engagement may be due to the wearing of the plastic cam between the secondary flaps. The cam can be replaced by using a Qudrajet cam with minor modifications I have been told. It is also important the spring tension be properly set for the secondary. When rebuilding, I always place a new spring in just for good measure.

If you need any parts for the beast let me know. Have four of them, two in great shape, and others as parts.

Just a question: Have you changed your timing chain, or checked it for stretch?

If you need any further help you can also IM me at dlsewald@hotmail.com. Sometimes it is easier to talk about it over the Internet.
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  #12  
Old 01-10-2003, 09:40 PM
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I was corresponding with a fellow 280C owner recently, and he sent me this information regarding a cheaper source for a Weber conversion than the one already quoted.

"I felt that the price for the weber was almost too low, but I found the person on Ebay selling them for Jeeps for even less. the Weber alone I have seen for 250, but what you pay for in the kit is all the linkage specific to a 280. jtoutfitters@earthlink.net This is the link for the $329 kit. His name is Joe and he claims that he can get them in two days. Its the K248 kit-but verify. The bad thing is that it is illegal in California. I had them on my 912 when I lived there and it was no big deal. "

Further research took me to his web site, although the carb you're looking for isn't listed (so you'll have to call him).
www.jtoutfitters.com

I have not personally tried this supplier, but it's worth a call. Please post what you find out. Also, it's helpful that the kit number is included above.

Happy Benzing!

Catrinus
'73 280C
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  #13  
Old 01-11-2003, 10:53 AM
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If that guy is dependable that sounds like a good deal....

After looking at that site and seeing how many and in some cases how large the engines which the 32-36 is listed as fitting... I think I will just put mine off the sube on the MB....I do not run full throttle often... and it might get better mileage with the two barrels in progressive linkage... also.. it is generally better to be using a carb nearer its max volumn as compared to being on the lower side.... (over carbed ) ...
The sube is just too small for me know that I have the MB .....

Last edited by leathermang; 01-11-2003 at 11:09 AM.
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  #14  
Old 01-19-2003, 11:18 AM
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I did finally find the link to the specific weber carb (direct replacement for the 4A1) on his web site.

http://jtoutfitters.zoovy.com/product/WEBK248
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  #15  
Old 01-19-2003, 12:02 PM
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I have only found a description saying "320 1977 and later" on that site...... Have I missed the page which applies to Paul's car ?

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