Blocked Zenith idle jet

tobyd · Jan 10, 2015

Hi,
Whilst out today my LR stopped and wouldn't idle at all just dying. It would stay running if revved so I believe the idle jet may be blocked. It did clear when I got the 1/2 mile home but wondered how I could try to clear anything still lingering in the jet.
Is there an easy way to do it? Can I blow air through somewhere with compressed air?
Can I spray it with something?
Cheers Toby

ronsealdeath · Jan 10, 2015

tobyd said:
Hi,
Whilst out today my LR stopped and wouldn't idle at all just dying. It would stay running if revved so I believe the idle jet may be blocked. It did clear when I got the 1/2 mile home but wondered how I could try to clear anything still lingering in the jet.
Is there an easy way to do it? Can I blow air through somewhere with compressed air?
Can I spray it with something?
Cheers Toby

Yes, pull the carb off and split it. If you get a rebuild kit you can replace gaskets etc.. blow carb cleaner through all orifices and 30psi max with compressor if you have one. V easy to rebuild just take photos of linkages before dismatling and dont lose any bits or your screwed.

tobyd · Jan 10, 2015

Is there any way to do this whist the carb is in situ ?

oxides · Jan 10, 2015

Well, you can, but....
It's a bit awkward stretching over the bonnet do do this sort of fiddly stuff and there's a good chance of dropping something down the inlet manifold. It really is easier to take it off!
Alternatively use some redex in the tank and make sure there's a fuel filter in there somewhere. Older landies tend to gather ****e in the fuel system and a proper filter (as opposed to the bits of gauze in the existing system) is a good idea.

tobyd · Jan 11, 2015

Well the block seems to have cleared and I have also tried to adjust the carb as it was running rich sooting up the plugs.
I have bought a second carb and a rebuild kit so that I can sort it out whilst still having the LR available if the weather turns snowy.
Hope the rebulid kit come with clear instructions!!

ronsealdeath · Jan 11, 2015

Zenith carbs warp very commonly on a series. Any zenith rebuild should really involve a refacing of each half on abrasive paper stuck to mdf or glass ie flat. Rebuilding a carb in situ is bonkers and it only takes 5 mins to remove. Its fiddly and I always do it on a white towel at the table so you can see all the bits. You dont need instructions really just replace ecerything in the kit.
Did you buy a genuine 36iv or a copy? Copies are good paper weights but ****e and being a carburettor.

oxides · Jan 11, 2015

Decent description and diagram in the land rover manual. You'll need a big can of carb cleaner and some way of not losing the fiddly bits - I use a big cardboard box with one end cut out and two sides folded down on the diagonal to give me a clean work area that will retain any bits I take off. Take heed of the rest of the advice on this page - plenty of info on here about refurbing Zenith carbs.

tobyd · Jan 11, 2015

Bought a used genuine Zenith and rebuild kit.
Wasn't going to rebuilt the carb in situe I was wondering if I could clear the idle jet in situe.

Managed to do 4 jobs on the LR and found 5 more!!

dominicbeesley · Jan 12, 2015

When checking plugs for soot bear in mind that it's fairly normal for them to be a bit sooty if its been idling or you've just started it. To check plugs you really need to drive round a bit before doing an engine cut and pull.

It's worth investing in or borrowing a colourtune as I've found that checking plug state can really lead you up the garden path!

In the end I've bought a wideband lambda sensor and welded a plug into the exhaust. It's allowed me to set up the carbs spot on instead of a lot of guess work. It cost £150 but has made its money back...other option is to borrow a gas analyser but that doesn't tell you what's going on when you're driving.

tobyd · Jan 13, 2015

Thanks for the advice.

Going to get all the valve clearances, points etc sorted this week and then have a look at the carb.
Got another Zenith due this week so can do a rebuild - not sure it will be better after I've done the work!!

oxides · Jan 15, 2015

It's going to be grubby on the outside so it's worth cleaning off all the external crud with some cleaner and a toothbrush or stiff paintbrush before stripping down in your "clean" area.

Blocked Zenith idle jet

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