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Thread: Carter vs Solex gas mileage.

  1. #1
    Member Go Joe's Avatar
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    Question Carter vs Solex gas mileage.

    I have a question for anyone with the F-head engine who has had both the Carter and the Solex carburetor. Did you notice much of a difference in gas mileage between the two?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Super Moderator gmwillys's Avatar
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    Go Joe,

    I just know what I've read on the subject. The original Carter carburetor tend to be a lot more reliable. The Solex tends to be troublesome to get just right. A common upgrade is to use a Webber carburetor, but I don't have too much information about any troubles seen from the upgrade. A good source of everything carb related is the following;

    http://oldjeepcarbs.freeforums.net/

  3. #3
    Member Go Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gmwillys View Post
    Go Joe,

    I just know what I've read on the subject. The original Carter carburetor tend to be a lot more reliable. The Solex tends to be troublesome to get just right. A common upgrade is to use a Webber carburetor, but I don't have too much information about any troubles seen from the upgrade. A good source of everything carb related is the following;

    http://oldjeepcarbs.freeforums.net/
    I bought this old Jeep 3 years ago and the original carb leaked real bad. I've rebuilt lots of carbs but this one is over 60 years old and the new Solex was so cheap, I just bought it. It runs ok but gets horrible gas mileage. It's less than 10 mpg and a lot worse when I use the choke.

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    Super Moderator gmwillys's Avatar
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    LarrBeard had touched on the subject before, where it has been necessary to run a fuel regulator between the fuel pump and the carburetor to restrict the fuel pressure.

    I did find some information in regards to the Solex carbs in Jeeps;

    https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=92437

    https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/n...opic34861.html

  5. #5
    Member Go Joe's Avatar
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    I think I'll try a regulator. I just have a cheap $50.00 electric fuel pump on it. It's not high performance at all but it still could be too much.

  6. #6
    Super Moderator gmwillys's Avatar
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    Whether the carb is a Carter or a soles, they all only require 2.5 psi for proper operation. Most electric pumps put out 5 to 8 psi. You'll have to play with the air/fuel mixture to get it back to where you need to be, but you have not had any issues with performance outside of poor milage. You are already ahead of the curve. Keep us advised of your progress.

  7. #7
    Member Go Joe's Avatar
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    I live in a small town. I may have to order one.
    Last edited by Go Joe; 10-15-2018 at 10:34 PM.

  8. #8
    Super Moderator gmwillys's Avatar
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    CARQUEST or O'Reilly auto parts should get you one fairly quickly.

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    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    Fuel Pressure Regulator

    Quote Originally Posted by Go Joe View Post
    I live in a small town. I may have to order one.
    https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...r/9710/4514726

    Mr. Gasket # 9710. My F-134 runs very nicely with a Carter YF and about 1 1/2 PSI of inlet fuel pressure. That's as much fuel as it needs and the float and needle handle it very nicely.

  10. #10
    Member Go Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LarrBeard View Post
    https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...r/9710/4514726

    Mr. Gasket # 9710. My F-134 runs very nicely with a Carter YF and about 1 1/2 PSI of inlet fuel pressure. That's as much fuel as it needs and the float and needle handle it very nicely.
    That's what I put on, that's where I got it and that's what it's set at. It run beautifully but it didn't run bad before. Now I'll just have to see how much my gas mileage improves. I don't know why I didn't think of that. I've had pressure regulators on vehicles before, like 40 years ago. When I put this carb on, I read that it only needed 1 1/2 to 2 psi. I didn't think that cheap electric fuel pump put out that much. I tested it and it puts out 5 1/2 psi. Thanks for your help.

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