I have a 1975 280s... currently the carb is performing fine. absolutely no problems BUT... it has 190xxx miles and from what I read on the net, I should be having issues around 200xxx.

My question is, when does the solex need to be serviced and if it is working fine...SHOULD I LET SOMEONE TOUCH IT?

is it possible it may continue working or will it suddenly die on a road trip?

The main issue is warping of the base. A mechanic that is experienced with MB's of this vintage should be able to handle the Solex. And from what I've read/heard the Solex rebuild kits are somewhat pricey. Many have switched to Holley/Weber, which also yields better power and MPG.

Quote:

"currently the carb is performing fine. absolutely no problems"

This, I think, is a time to heed the familiar maxim:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Those carbs, if they do not receive excessive heat from the exhaust system, tend to remain in good condition. When overheated, they do warp. Catastrophic failure is a very low probability event. A bit of leakage of fuel at gasketed joints will occur by-and-by, and perhaps a sticky secondary air valve.

thank you very much...thats what the mechanic said...if it aint broke dont fix it... im traveling from texas to bew jersey and happened to read about the solex after 7 years of ignorance, and didn't want a major issue at 3am in the middle of no where...

What you'e describing can happen with anything and isn't limited to a Solex 4A1.

I've been through many of these carbs over the years and, while not what I'd call 'fun', they're not impossible, either. Think of them as the "6.3 of Solex Carbs" from a repair standpoint.

The biggest issues with these carbs come from well- meaning but clueless mechanics and owners who reef on them and tighten them all to hell to "fix" them. This is what gets them warped. Just snug enough to seal is adequate.

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1968 230S Automatic, Elfenbein
1975 O309D Executive Westfalia Camper Bus, Blau/ Weiss
1972 280SEL 4,5 Dunkelrot
1966 VW Type 34 "Grosser" Karmann-Ghia
1963 VW 1500 Variant Pearlweiss
1969 VW Variant Automatic, Perugruen
1971 VW Squareback Automatic, Clementine Orange
2001 E320 4Matic Wagon- Our belated welcome to the 21st century! Polar White
1973 280SEL 4,5 Sliding Roof "The Bomb", Dunkelblau.

Hi, I have my 250 SE converted to Carbs, original 250 S intake manifold and Solex 34 PAITA, but since they has some air leaks on butterflyes shaft, its very hard to get them sincronized, I made an adaptator and temporaly place a small Holley single, I believe I would take Solexs and overhaull all moving shafts, any tip/advise on rebuild kits?
thanks!

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Alex Rozzi
1967 250 SE
Buenos Aires, Argentina