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Topping
up the carburettor damper on an SU HIF
Victor Smith (Harvest Gold 1089) describes a simple routine
service item which makes the MGBGTV8 a smooth and pleasant
drive. (Oct 08)
Topping up the dampers on the twin SU HIF carburettors on
an MGBGTV8 is a very worthwhile simple service routine which
can make driving the MGBGTV8 so much more enjoyable with a
smoother pick up and acceleration and a less frisky engine
at slow speeds. Enthusiasts not familiar with SU carburettors
may not be aware of the benefits of regular damper topping-up
or what to do, so this note is a straightforward guide.
Unscrew the black plastic cap at the top of each carburettor
suction chamber and gently lift the piston and damper
up to the top of their travel. Do not attempt to pull
it right out. Fill the circular opening at the top of the
suction chamber with engine oil (preferably 20-50 multigrade)
until the oil level is just visible where there is a slight
change in the internal diameter of the tube
(marked above).
Carefully push the damper down until the black cap contacts
the top of the suction chamber. You may need to repeat the
process to achieve the oil level noted above and then screw
the black cap on firmly on the suction chamber.
The use of "gently" above is a caution when lifting
the piston damper because care must be taken not to dislodge
the damper retaining clip which is pressed into the top of
the piston rod. So just lift the black cap very carefully
and park it whilst you add oil.
A traditional small engineer's oil can with a moderately long
flexible spout and convenient lever actuating a pump mounted
in the handle is the ideal piece of equipment for leaning
across from the wing and directing a gentle flow of oil into
the damper. The pumping action on that type of oil can provides
the ideal level of control for this operation.
This procedure is set out on page 58 of the MGBGTV8 Driver's
Handbook AKD8423. More
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What is the function of
the damper?
The basic function of the carburettor dashpot is to lift the
large diameter piston in the bell shaped suction chamber for a given pressure
differential across the upper and lower faces of the piston. Underneath the piston
is the airstream from the aircleaners through the butterfly valve and on to the
engine. The underside of the piston is connected to a tapered needle extending
down into the jet below which governs an accurate supply of fuel into that airstream.
That fuel mixes with air and passes through the butterfly valve and on to the
engine.
Above the piston in the dashpot assembly there is also a guide
rod and piston damper. The function of the guide rod is to guide the piston accurately
within the bore of the suction chamber. The damper damps or moderates the movements
of the piston in the suction chamber and consequently the changes in fuel supply
governed by the needle in the jet.
The
function of the damper is twofold: first it prevents the piston from following
the fluctuations of the air flow at low engine speeds thereby keeping the piston
steady and second, when the throttle is opened rapidly, it prevents the piston
from rising rapidly in unison with the throttle opening. When the piston rises
rapidly, the fuel/air mixture becomes weak because the air has less inertia than
petrol. By damping the movement of the piston when the throttle is opened rapidly
, the piston movement is retarded to cause a momentary enrichment of the fuel/air
mixture which gives the engine a prompt pickup.
The damper operates
in a column of oil. Failure to maintain an adequate oil level in the damper will
cause carburettor piston flutter and adversely affect pickup and acceleration.
So there is a need to top up the carburettor dampers regularly using the simple
service routine described in this note. |
Useful
reference
Tuning SU Carburettors
including full needle charts
Published by Speedsport Motobooks
ISBN 85113-072-0 |
