Car Carbs

General information.

Car Carburettors: Before and after: a set of 40 DCOE Webers - see what's possible (Picasa Gallery - opens in new window)

• There is a wide variation in the quality and cost of carburettor services. Many firms will base your restoration quotation on the automatic replacement of many parts, and this before having seen your carburettors. Why pay for parts that may not be required?

My experience is that the only new component required every time is limited to the contents of a rebuild kit,  available from JRS as discounted prices. I have never come across a contaminated component that careful ultrasonic cleaning will not restore to full operational efficiency. There have been components that have been damaged, or that have worn out and need replacement, but that has not been the rule.  Whilst it is probably  misleading to generalise in this way, I seek only to emphasise that no components (other than gaskets) should be considered for automatic replacement.

• The very widely used method of acid dipping as a means of carburettor cleaning has problems as far as the larger car type units (eg: DHLA) are concerned and is even worse when used on motorcycle units. Acid removes contaminants and metal. That is how it cleans. The amount it removes is based on the time the component is left in the acid. Acids remove the high points on metals first: threads are typical of the high points that suffer during acid cleaning.

Ultrasonic cleaning on the other hand is very effective indeed and absolutely harmless. JRS/UCC have industrial quality cleaners, proven work practices and the expertise to complete the highest quality cleaning and restoration.

• JRS has many many years of working with classic continental motorcycles and with Dellorto carburetors in particular. The overhaul and restoration services are time proven. Nothing is left to chance.

• It is impossible to tell whether a carburettor or a set will work properly by looking at them. This is well worth remembering if you are thinking about replacing the ones you have with second hand units, because yours are not working as they should. The generally accepted rule is that if you know that they worked properly once and have not been damaged since, then cleaning or restoration is preferable to replacement. Refer to the section on “Buying Used Carburettors” for some hints.

Lastly, consider getting some quotes and getting the work done properly first time would seem to be fair and sound advice. You will probably only need to clean/restore your carburettors once so get it done by someone you can trust and rely upon.  You will always be able to find some one cheaper – but will they do it properly, and will you know when the don’t? 

Tel: 01792 402458
E-mail: jrs@jrs.uk.com