Triumph Repair: weber carb problem, fuel pressure regulator, butterfly valves

Question
we have a 1978 1500 with a weber DVG carb. The car was stored about 1 and 1/2 years with half tank of fuel. we replaced wiring harness, fuel pump, fuel filter, solenoid,master cylinder, and then just for fun(not) the heater valve. Now we turn to the carb. It is not starting up unless we open butterfly valves, then it runs rich. you have mentioned in previous answers checking the needle valve. could you expand on that answer and offer any other advice. thank you  

Answer
Dan,

Well, I was going to start off guessing that the car ran ok before it was parked... with the list of things you've already done then it's more doubtful.

It's not uncommon for a needle valve to stick in place if it's a) sat for a long period of time in one position and b) been exposed to that stuff they call gasoline these days.  If the car is running excessively rich then a stuck needle is a possibility.

On the DGV you get to the float bowl by removing the top section of the carb.  Fairly straight forward, but if you can take digital pictures before you start, and keep careful count of where all the hardware goes.  Saves a lot of grief on reassembly.

Did you go with a stock fuel pump or an aftermarket electric pump?  If electric, did you fit a fuel pressure regulator?  You only need 1.5 to 2.0 psi for the Weber.  If there's too much pressure you can force the gas past the needle valve.

If you can keep it running for a few minutes, verify that the timing is correct.  Sometimes what looks like a carb issue is really timing waaaay off.  It's how the SU and Stromberg carbs got a bad rep back when the cars were new.  Lucas ignitions.

See if this gets you running.  If not, let me know, we'll keep digging.


Cheers,

Jim