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Solex Carbs question

beamdream

Gold Level Sponsor
I have a pair of Solex WIA-2 carbs fitted to my Series 1, in a box of spares that came with the car there are a pair of WIA-3 carbs; can anyone tell me the differences between the two part numbers ?
 

RootesRacer

Donation Time
I have a pair of Solex WIA-2 carbs fitted to my Series 1, in a box of spares that came with the car there are a pair of WIA-3 carbs; can anyone tell me the differences between the two part numbers ?

Solex or zenith?

The OEM carbs on SI to SIII alpines are zenith WIA or WIP 36 carbs.

The WSM specifies what carbs you should have by model.
 

beamdream

Gold Level Sponsor
Solex or zenith?

The OEM carbs on SI to SIII alpines are zenith WIA or WIP 36 carbs.

The WSM specifies what carbs you should have by model.

Thanks - the engine is a transplant from I believe is a Humber Vogue, so originality is not an issue, rather I am curious as to the difference between the WIA and WIP
 

greenbeam

Platinum Level Sponsor
WIA carbs have a vacuum-operated 'power valve' that is supposed to make them more economy-focussed.

WIP carbs don't have the valve, and are more performance-focussed (slightly ;-)

If you look at the top of the WIA there is a little 'hat' shape sticking up. On the WIP there is a flat cover in the same place - that's the valve.

A common problem with the WIAs is that the diaphragm in the valve cracks causing problems under acceleration. And on both the WIP and WIAs, the carb body wears where the throttle shafts pass through the carb body causing an air leak - the carb body needs to be re-bushed. Parts are also getting hard to find for them now.

I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Paul.
S3 ST, WIP-3 Zeniths
 

greenbeam

Platinum Level Sponsor
BeamDream,
Just sent you a PM with old (pre forum) emails on the Zeniths.
Hope it helps.
Cheers,
Paul.
 
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