My car has the Zenith carb and there is a small rubber pipe that runs to a small device which has two other connections, a pipe to the air filter and a pipe that doesn't seem to connect to anything. This small device has two leads for power and not sure what it does?

The pipe from the filter has disintegrated and I have never been able to work out if the loose pipe is supposed to connect to anything.

I'm trying to work out why I am suddenly getting poorer mpg. Getting a new filter as the old one is shagged!

air filter is a good one to start with.

also, check the oil level in the damper cilinder on top of the carburettor. it should be topped up regularly to ensure a correct damping of the movement of the piston inside the carburettor.
if the oil level is too low the piston 'jumps' up too quickly, which gives a rich mixture (and lower MPG as a consequence)

how's the ignition?? ie which part has been changed when?

greetings Wouter

I checked the oil level, it needed about 5ml of oil! Am I correct that the level is measured by reinserting the float till resistance is felt, then measure the gap between carb/lowest part of the cap?

The car seems to have gained abit of light throttle performance, will see if it makes a difference to mpg. Still wondering what the pipes from the air box - gadget-carb do? I'll try to get a photo.

Plugs/cap has done about 15k, all other parts are of unknown age - possibly more than 15yrs old, but the car is low mileage.

Plugs should be done at 6k!

Damper fluid level is a git on those carbs - my 240 has a similar one. Said 240 is giving pretty crummy MPG (32 at absolute best.....usually low 20s), although it is a slushmatic.

cheers

James

I tend to leave plugs for about 15-20k if they 'look' like they are firing properly (ie: match the pretty pictures in the back of the Haynes book of lies ). Probably due for a change now

After driving over the weekend, the oil level has made a massive difference at light throttle in 5th up hills for motorway cruising.