Carburettor

A carburettor consists of dozens of small parts, each with its own function — and together they determine how your engine runs. I specialise in rebuilding Zenith-Stromberg carburettors and work both for private restorers and for workshops and dealers who prefer to outsource this component to a specialist.

I handle every rebuild both mechanically and cosmetically — available separately, or combined for a complete result.

How do you recognise the need for a rebuild?

Not every fault can immediately be traced back to the carburettor. Engine problems can have many causes, and it is not always obvious that the carburettor is the culprit. Nevertheless, a carburettor in need of a rebuild often shows a number of recognisable symptoms; by recognising these signs you can take action early and prevent further wear or damage. If you recognise one or more of the points below, it is advisable to have the carburettor assessed.

Increased fuel consumption

Is your vehicle suddenly using more petrol than usual? A disturbed air-fuel ratio caused by a dirty carburettor may be the cause.

Erratic idle

Does the engine stutter or hunt at idle, or does it stall regularly? This often indicates that the carburettor is no longer correctly adjusted or is blocked.

Poor performance when accelerating

Does the engine feel "flat" when you open the throttle, or are there noticeable flat spots? A blocked jet or worn needle in the carburettor then disrupts the fuel supply.

 

Black smoke or a strong smell of petrol

Is there black smoke from the exhaust, or can you smell petrol strongly? Then the engine is burning an overly rich mixture — often the result of a faulty float chamber.

Difficult starting, especially in the cold

Is the vehicle hard to start, especially at low temperatures? A worn choke or deposits in the carburettor then prevent the fuel mixture from being correct.

Visible fuel leakage

Do you see drops or stains of petrol under or around the carburettor? Worn gaskets and seals are then an immediate reason for a full rebuild.

Do you recognise one or more of the signs above? Then that is good reason to have the carburettor assessed. However, that does not automatically mean a full rebuild is needed: often a carburettor is simply incorrectly adjusted or dirty. That is why, by appointment, I always start with a thorough diagnosis to establish exactly what your carburettor needs — no unnecessary work, no unnecessary costs.

A separate tune-up, without a rebuild, is also possible by appointment. If your carburettor is delivered to me without an adjustment having been agreed, I return it to its factory setting, so that you always have a reliable starting point.

Mechanical rebuild

The basis of every rebuild is the technical condition of the component. I replace wear parts according to factory specifications, use original or equivalent rebuild parts wherever possible, and set everything up precisely — including advice on fitting and tuning.

Included as standard with every rebuild:

  • All gaskets and O-rings
  • Manufacturer's standard service kit
  • Diaphragms and filters

Optional, depending on wear or preference:

  • Needles
  • Valves
  • Spindles
  • Temperature compensators
  • Springs, bolts and nuts

Always included on delivery:

  • A new fuel filter
  • New inlet and outlet gaskets
  • Oil, if applicable to your type of carburettor
  • Advice and support with fitting and tuning

Once your carburettor arrives with me, the rebuild process starts as soon as possible:

View the process

Inspection and function check — All mechanical components are checked for operation and assessed for signs of excessive wear.

 

Dismantling — Dismantling is carried out with care, paying close attention to any defects. All existing settings are recorded so that they can later be restored exactly.

 

Ultrasonic cleaning — The ultrasonic bath is set to 60°C with a specialist cleaning fluid, which completely dissolves dirt and scale deposits from petrol.

 

Assembly — Reassembly takes place with new gaskets and O-rings. By agreement or where necessary, I also replace other components, such as the throttle disc, spindles, springs or temperature compensator.

 

Tuning and calibration — Based on your wishes and my expertise, I determine the best setting for your carburettor. It is also possible to have the carburettor calibrated on your car or engine at your premises.

Cosmetic refurbishment

Only available in combination with a mechanical rebuild.

A technically perfect carburettor also works perfectly well with a dull or weathered appearance — cosmetic refurbishment is therefore not a necessity, but a choice. For those who value an authentic or showroom-worthy look under the bonnet, it does make a real difference. My cosmetic refurbishment brings the appearance back up to the level of the mechanics. As standard, my cosmetic refurbishment consists of blasting, with the option of adding a sprayed colour finish afterwards.

Step 1: Blasting

I blast the carburettor with fine media; this process removes old paint, corrosion and oxidation right down to the bare aluminium. I then apply an aluminium oxide layer to the carburettor. This protects the aluminium against further oxidation and gives a smooth, even appearance. In addition, any defects such as porosity, cracks or damage come to light before the mechanical rebuild is completed. The result is a carburettor that looks as good as new again, not only technically but also visually.

Step 2: Painting

On request, I paint the carburettor in the colour of your choice. The coating is custom-made and therefore available in almost any colour. This coating is fully resistant to petrol, oil and heat — suitable for real use, not just for the display cabinet. This combination of durability and finish ensures that the carburettor retains its appearance even in under-bonnet conditions. This way you get not only a carburettor that functions flawlessly, but also a component that matches your restoration aesthetically.

As a specialist in carburettor rebuilds, with extensive experience of Zenith-Stromberg carburettors among others, I am the point of contact for anyone who prefers to leave this field to an expert — from private restorers to workshops and dealers. Whether it concerns a one-off diagnosis or an ongoing collaboration, I am happy to advise you. Please also take a look at my portfolio for examples of previous work.

Get in touch

Opening hours

I work by appointment only. Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a time.

Postal address

Kemphaan 33

8532 AS Lemmer, Friesland, the Netherlands

Contact details

contact@vanvliet-klassiekers.nl

+31 6 81 72 31 78