Solex 4A1 to Weber 40 DCNF Conversion
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This conversion was deemed necessary since the stock OEM Solex 4A1 carburator installed in the 250T has a warped base and a warped top cover. As a result the engine would not idle since air would be admitted into the carb through different gaps. Fuel consumption was high (4 to 5 km per liter), and performance was unbecoming a 2.5 liter six.
The Solex carburators warp easy because of the 4 mounting bolts that 'squeeze' the carb onto the manifold. Once these mounting bolts are over-tightened, the carburator body begins to warp due to the heat in the engine compartment.
I checked the local MB dismantlers (surplus shops) and was disappointed to find out that there were no good unwarped Solex 4A1's available. And even if it was available, there is still a chance that the carb would eventually warp.
I eventually found out that Redline Weber (US) has a conversion kit specifically for the Solex 4A1. The kit would include a Weber 38 DGAS, the manifold adapter and various throttle linkages. JAM Engineering offered a Holley 450 conversion kit with utilizes a 4-bbl Holley 450 with vacuum secondaries -- apparently Holley's for 'spreadbore' mannifolds match up exactly to the footprint of the Solex 4A1 -- with minor modifications to the mounting holes on the carb.
I went with the Weber conversion because I have more experience working with Webers than with any other carburator. And I was able to find a 2nd-hand unit for about P5,000.00 (~US$ 94.00).
Comparison of Solex 4A1 and Weber 40 DCNF
Miscellaneous Solex and Weber stuff.
For questions or comments please e-mail me
at [email protected] 
