Hello,
I'm experiencing an issue with my Jaguar E-Type Series 1. I’m trying to set the idle to 500-700 RPM, but I’m having trouble with the front carburetor that feeds cylinders 7 and 8. When I adjust the "slow running volume screw" (marked A in the service manual), this carb continues to draw air, regardless of how much I tighten the adjustment screw. Even when the screw is fully closed, this carb pulls in more air than the other two, which are adjusted out a turn. This makes it impossible to synchronize all three carbs and achieve the desired idle.
Does anyone have suggestions for troubleshooting this problem?
Problem setting idle
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Topic author - Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2025 3:57 am
#2 Re: Problem setting idle
Firstly, consider that the front carb's butterfly may not be completely closing with the engine at idle.
If it is not fully closed you can completely tighten the slow idle screw and it will still pull air past the butterfly.
Check all 3 carbs, and ensure all the butterflies are fully closed at idle.
If this is not your problem, remove the slow idle screw completely. It has an o ring seal around it. See if this is leaking.
Alternatively the slow idle screws can corrode, interfering with their ability to seal. Inspect, clean +/- replace the screw as necessary.
If you've got here and not fixed it, try swapping idle screws around. If the problem goes with a particular screw that implies it's the problem. If the problem persists with the same carb this suggests a problem with that carb. The bottom of the port the screw goes in can get damaged. This is hard to fix.
If it is not fully closed you can completely tighten the slow idle screw and it will still pull air past the butterfly.
Check all 3 carbs, and ensure all the butterflies are fully closed at idle.
If this is not your problem, remove the slow idle screw completely. It has an o ring seal around it. See if this is leaking.
Alternatively the slow idle screws can corrode, interfering with their ability to seal. Inspect, clean +/- replace the screw as necessary.
If you've got here and not fixed it, try swapping idle screws around. If the problem goes with a particular screw that implies it's the problem. If the problem persists with the same carb this suggests a problem with that carb. The bottom of the port the screw goes in can get damaged. This is hard to fix.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB. 1979 MGB.
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB. 1979 MGB.
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
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#3 Re: Problem setting idle
Cylinders 7&8 on a S1??
Randall Botha
'64 3.8 fhc & '51 Mk 7 (now sold)
'64 3.8 fhc & '51 Mk 7 (now sold)
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#4 Re: Problem setting idle
The front Carb has the Vacuum take off, is this leaking?.
It does sound like the butterfly isn't seating correctly though.
It does sound like the butterfly isn't seating correctly though.
Sean
S1 2+2 1966 BW RHD
XK120 1954 comp LHD
S1 2+2 1966 BW RHD
XK120 1954 comp LHD
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#5 Re: Problem setting idle
Like Randall, I'd like to know where you found cylinders 7 & 8?
Malcolm
I only fit in a 2+2, so got one!
1969 Series 2 2+2
2009 Jaguar XF-S
2015 F Type V6 S
I only fit in a 2+2, so got one!
1969 Series 2 2+2
2009 Jaguar XF-S
2015 F Type V6 S
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#6 Re: Problem setting idle
As mentioned in post #2, I had this same issue. My front idle bleed screw was all the way home and was incorrectly offset with over adjustment of the centre & rear carbs. The idle was lumpy and I always suspected the butterfly shaft seals as I could feel excess movement. I blocked the vacuum take off from top of font carb to no avail and replaced seals etc. This past winter I had Burlen replace the seals on all three carbs butterfly shafts and now the idle is spot on with air screws correctly set.
If you are confident, there’s some great setup information on this forum. I used Andrew Turvey’s (CMC) guide ‘Balancing SU and Stromberg Carburettors’ as a start point.
If you are confident, there’s some great setup information on this forum. I used Andrew Turvey’s (CMC) guide ‘Balancing SU and Stromberg Carburettors’ as a start point.
Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

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#7 Re: Problem setting idle
Aren’t there 9 cylinders on the S1.5 cars? 

Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

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