The 'E' Type Forum

Hello everyone.

As some of you know I'm trying to get my 73 etype up to scratch (and reliable) in time for my wedding on the 27th July. I have got the ignition issues, valve clearance issues, electrical issues and cooling issues all under control now however.......... Carburettors! It is clear to see that he carbs have had a whole range of attempts to bring them under control, this I clear because of the twisted mess that they've been left in. All I have done to date is strip and rebuild the carbs with diaphragms and gaskets, this has been enough to get the car running and useable while I sort the more pressing issues. This weekend I've stripped and carefully inspected the carbs and I was pleased to find some obvious issues that would explain poor running. Unfortunately the issues look like more than a clean, rebuild and setup can cure.

From what I can see the air filter bolts have been over tightened, they have subsequently driven themselves into the carb bodies and cracked two of the main casings. This leaves me with some questions for you all as to what I should do next. I could source some used main bodies and undertake a full rebuild myself and try and get this done in time to use the car on my wedding day, or...... I could purchase a brand new shiny set of carbs or a set that has been rebuilt, this will clearly cost a small fortune but (depending on quality) should seal the end of my carb woes and will be the quickest way to get me up and running. I would be grateful for ANY advice, I also have very little idea of what to expect in terms of cost, time frames and in particular who to go to for new/rebuilt carbs. Who is the most reliable and best value for me to approach? I've emailed some companies I've found online but not heard anything back yet.

Thanks all for your help.

Marcus.

Hi Marcus

First question is, how original do you want to keep the car? If you are willing to compromise on originality you can go for the new SU kit from Burlen. I hear it is good, but it must be around a ?1000. But you get brand new SU carbs correctly jetted for the V12, hopefully once fitted and setbup that would end your carb problems. I know Burlen can no longer supply new Stromberg bodies, they will only rebuild your old carbs now. So if you want to replace your Strombergs you will need to find a couple of used off an S1 XJ12 or EType. Might be worth calling around some of the jag breakers. I hope you make it to the altar on time!

Good luck

Kevin

I have several old sets, from an XJ12 or from a v12 etype. If you are interested, contact me via a private message.

kind regards
Marek

In my Ev12 are 4 Strombergs working very good. In 1988 they have been "renewed" last time.
I believe, that the Stromberg carbs are good for this motor and there is no need , for SU's. Also I think, used Strombergs are easy to find and cheap.
Regards Wolfgang Gatza

4 Strombergs in ebay.uk for a XJ12 for 100 pound.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-Type-Jaguar ... 197wt_1397

Regards Wolfgang Gatza

Hello,

Thank you all for your responses. I have weighed up the options and spoken to a few carb specialists I have found and I've decided that the best way to rule out any further problems is to get some recon carbs. I have found someone who previously advertised on Ebay and he seems to know what hes talking about. He's also doing a good deal and has promised me the carbs by next weekend.

I have seen some V12's on SU's but I'd like to keep it original and it sounds like the benefits are negligable.

So hopefully, I can bolt them on, set them up and cruise through an MOT first time!!!!! Well........ I can dream. At least its getting me nearer to my goal of using the Jag for my wedding.

I'll keep you posted, thanks again for all your help.

I had the same issue when Simon Hemsley rebuild my carbs about a year ago and I'm still having issues!! I regret not just swapping for SU's which are easier to set up. We found 3 seal kits and the 4th one we made do and I'm not convinced the strip down and rebuild/clean was 100% still have fueling issues, and stuttering on acceleration.

I've lived with it but its a shame after the money that was spent! Also having to reseal dif that was rebuilt as that's been leaking every since and some spacers left out........

"I had the same issue when Simon Hemsley rebuild my carbs about a year ago and I'm still having issues!! I regret not just swapping for SU's which are easier to set up."
I don't believe this. Your problem is not comming from a "setup-mistake", its is comming from a mistake of YOUR carb. Something still is wrong. Stuttering is caused mostly by lean mixture. You can check this easy: turne all 4 needles to the mximum top level and do a test drive. If the stutterung has reduced or disappeared, you can be shure, that lean mixture was the problem.
Lean mixture can be caused by:
- wrong needle ( i don't believe),
- different springs in the 4 carbs,
- no or to less oil in the piston damper of the carb (when accelerating)
- bad synchonised carbs.
I believe, that there is existing one mistake like a little devil in your "carb system". If you find him, all would be okay.

On my EV12 I have 4 Strombergs since 13 years. Since I have changed 4 wrong needles , mounted from the PO, they are working very good. Absolutely no problem. Years ago I was thinking, to change to 4 SU's . Now I am thinking, why should I spend money for a very small gain.

Regards Wolfgang Gatza

If im not mistaken Hutsons have recon carbs on the shelf.

Dont dismiss the Strombergs. Once set up correctly
they are V reliable IMHO

dc

In the beginning 80ties the last carbs BMW and Mercedes have mounted in some of the "smaller" cars have been Zenith-Strombergs. There must have been a reason, why they took theses carbs. Quality, reliability and so on.
When I was student, I drove an cheap Mercedes 200/8 with such a carb. I remeber a big problem with the carb. No power anymore. It was a cleft in the rubber diaphragma of the carb piston. Everybody who knows theses carbs, knows this mistake. Therefore no problem.
Regards Wolfgang Gatza