Dellorto carb service

[GDobbo.]

Hi,
I acquired an Excel about 12 months ago and have been doing various jobs on it, it had been standing for about 11 years but does run, (previous owner was a club member) The issue now is that the carbs need a full service, from age and standing, I am comfortable with certain areas of work but the Dellorto's are a dark art to me, I am happy to let a professional do a proper job. I am asking if there is any recommendations that could be offered, it is not a money no object position but I do know it will cost, I just want a good job done really for a fair price. I'll get onto the question of maybe getting the front seats renovated and the head lining in another post. I look forward to any response and getting near to actually driving the car as soon as.

[Roadrunner]

Had mine done by Lotusbits. Full strip and rebuild. Been excellent since and they look like new.

[rbgosling]

Welcome G, I hope you are enjoying your Excel so far, it's always a fun challenge bringing a car back to life!

There is nothing scary about overhauling a Dellorto carb yourself. It's just a bunch of components that you can unscrew, give a thorough clean, and put back together again. Lotusbits (and others) do a full rebuild kit with all the new gaskets, needle valve etc. that you will need.

You do need to make sure everything is impeccably clean when it goes back together, I failed on this and my car ran like $%!& after the full engine rebuild, which Lotusbits tracked down to dirt that got in the carbs during re-assembly.

See this post, which I hope you'll find helpful.

[Alan_M]

Also worth contacting Eurocarbs as they are the UK Dellorto suppliers. They will quote for a full rebuild, or you can buy any parts from them.

[DavidOliver]

I strongly recommend you obtain the book How to Build and Power Tune Weber and Dellorto Carburettors by Des Hammil, Publishers Veloce Publishing.
You can then see if you decide to do the rebuild yourself. It is always very gratifying and you will get a deep knowledge of how carbs work.
One of the most important details is to replace the O-rings on the flange spacers and the thick rubber flange bolt washers, these rings and washers are not part of the kit.
The jets do not usually need replacing but make sure you have the correct calibers as stamped on the side of the jet. Previous owners may have tried different size jets as a quick fix, not recommended.
Eurocarbs have a complete range of parts and kits, you can see on their catalogue the huge range for different car models, they will guarantee you get the right kit.

Dave the cog

[LotusMonkey]

Dave the Cog is right. There is a little missing info in the book with respect to accelerator pump setting but that info is available on the site here. I did mine for the first time with that book.