Carb question, need to dump little gas in carb just to get car started Options

[angerosa]

Seems that this year I need to put a little gas into the carb to get the car started initially. I have single Solex carb that no one seems to be able to identify. I'm sure some PO just pulled it off something that was sitting in a junkyard. Once I get car started and it warms up it idles OK but runs rough when you try to drive it. Timing is spot on. Recent (not too many miles ago) tune up with the help of some very knowledgeable 914world brethren. Let’s say it’s a given that there is nothing wrong with the engine. I have an idea of where to go next. I’ve had car for about 7 years. With only what I’ve told you here what’s your opinion?

[DBCooper]

I agree, if you can't pump some gas into the carb with the pedal then your accelerator pump isn't working. On that carb I think you can see the accelerator pump linkage on the outside of the carb, and see if you're getting a stream of gas down in the carb as you work the throttle, so you should be able to diagnose that without taking anything apart.

That's an old "automatic" choke with the spiral spring inside that loses tension and lets the butterfly open when the carb heats up. It looks like there's a cable missing on the choke, or is it there and I can't make it out in the photo? Converted to manual with a cable? You say there's a spring holding it open? You've watched that choke butterfly before you've started the car and after? As it warms? Is the cable working the choke butterfly normally?

The carb number is cast somewhere on the carb body, and you usually have to remove the carb to be able to read it. They should have a tag on one of the studs that gives you the configuration number, but those disappear. To me it looks like a Solex 34 or 32/34 PDSIT (my memnonic was "Police Department! SIT!"), but that's from a long time ago and my memory's not the best any more. See if there's a number on the carb, then send photos to maybe Pelican and Aircooled.net, see if the can tell for sure. I'd suggest the aftermarket 914 and VW people over a carb rebuilder. Rebuilders deal with everything, so a lot of variables. On the other hand the VW/914 aftermarket parts people sell those carb conversion kits every day, so they should be able to narrow it down a little easier.

[angerosa]

I agree, if you can't pump some gas into the carb with the pedal then your accelerator pump isn't working. On that carb I think you can see the accelerator pump linkage on the outside of the carb, and see if you're getting a stream of gas down in the carb as you work the throttle, so you should be able to diagnose that without taking anything apart.

I didn't ever have anyone push the peddle for me while I watched in the barrel but I pushed it a bunch with the fuel pump running and then got out of the drivers seat and checked the barrel. Wasn't wet and I should have had a stronger gas smell so that would confirm what you and everyone else is saying.

That's an old "automatic" choke with the spiral spring inside that loses tension and lets the butterfly open when the carb heats up. It looks like there's a cable missing on the choke, or is it there and I can't make it out in the photo? Converted to manual with a cable? You say there's a spring holding it open? You've watched that choke butterfly before you've started the car and after? As it warms? Is the cable working the choke butterfly normally?

It's always open see attached pic for better explanation of what I was trying to say.

The carb number is cast somewhere on the carb body, and you usually have to remove the carb to be able to read it. They should have a tag on one of the studs that gives you the configuration number, but those disappear. To me it looks like a Solex 34 or 32/34 PDSIT (my memnonic was "Police Department! SIT!"), but that's from a long time ago and my memory's not the best any more. See if there's a number on the carb, then send photos to maybe Pelican and Aircooled.net, see if the can tell for sure. I'd suggest the aftermarket 914 and VW people over a carb rebuilder. Rebuilders deal with everything, so a lot of variables. On the other hand the VW/914 aftermarket parts people sell those carb conversion kits every day, so they should be able to narrow it down a little easier.

I'll have to pull it and take it around to some of the local shops. thanks for the advice.