Decided to rebuild the old Solex after 4 years of operation and discovered something very strange. The last time it was worked on was by a shop who replaced it due to the old one had some pretty serious wrappage. It has been running well since this year prompting the rebuild. When comparing the existing Solex (1), to the old one (2) ,they have some strange diffrences.

Solex (1), has metering rods in the primaries, which (2) does not.
Also the choke is slightly different, where the dashpot is common in both, but in Solex (1), it lacks the adjusment screw for cold idle speed.

The 110 Engine book displays a (S) version which is Swedish that looks like Solex (1), but am scratching my head as to were he got a Swedish Solex 4A1.

As an update to my last post. Have adjusted the valves. Not an easy task as they were pretty varnished over. A couple of them was unable to loosen even after spraying WD40, dry ice, and the stuff on TV that can be used on 100 year old rusted parts without success. They were not that much off so decided to "let-it be". Would apprciate any input as to how to loosen them for the next go around.

When taking off the Solex from the intake, noticed a small spot of gas laying on the intake which is below the secondaries. Must have had a leak in the gasket or something. But the most encouraging discovery was that the holes for the reserves for the secondaries on both sides were cloged. Thus, I think was the problem with the secondary stage, as it was not getting enough fuel. Strange why these reserves are so small compared to the primaries. For as important the function in transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 only a small amount of fuel is allocated to them. No wonder the term "Quadra-Bog".

Thanks for reading this plea and appreciate your input. Have appreciated all your help and advise.

Gympie

The CD has a chapter on the evolution of the 4A1 over the years including the different national versions. I can try to email it, or send it snail mail if it is of interest. Let me know.

When I put my rebuilt head on, I had to make some large changes to some very stubborn adjusters. I ended up removing the followers on some so that I could get a socket and a breaker bar on the adjuster. I then put the follower back on and checked the adjustment. You just can't get enough leverage with the adjusting tool.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'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

Thanks, would like to see the different national versions of the 4A1. The primary metering rods look pretty strange to me after looking at the old Solex. If you could email what you have to densoy@oco.net, I would appreciate it.

Yep, think the only way to get the adjusters out is to use a breaker bar and socket. Next go around I'll take the rocker arms out and give it a go. The Hazet 17mm wrench just rounded off the nuts more than anything on them.

BTW, you have a great web page on coupes! A wonderful Star Barn indeed. My complements to Senior Management. :-)

Gympie