Following the advice of 230/8, I got the car running and idling at around 1200 rpm - fuel is dripping from the primary barrell in both the front and rear carbs and I can't get the idle down w/o the car stalling. Right now, it will only idle with the fuel dripping - which is not right of course.

My understanding is this presents 5 possibilities - 1) Vacuum leaks, which I may or may not still have around the base gaskets, 2) Idle circuit plugged - I don't think this is happening. When I plug the idle holes in both the front and rear carbs - one at a time - the car died each time, 3) idle stop screw messed up - which it has been. I have never known just how far down this screw should extend (this is the '72 without the vent valves). If this screw extends too far, it will keep the throttle plates open at idle and will suck fuel through the primary barrell -right?, 4) float level wrong - too high, right?, and 5) carbs out of balance - although currently they are synched. Both are measuring about 12-14 on my carb synchronizer.

Am I missing something and do these sound right to you Zenith experts?

BTW, I have a really hard time getting the thing to start back up hot. Once it cools down, starts w/o much trouble.

ryan

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RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE

If the carbs have not been used, while you were rebuilding the engine, they should be rebuilt. Got any moisture in the float bowls?

If the 'gas dribbles" under the horizontal rail, in the center of the carb throat, the seal at the end of the rail is bad.

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old