Flat top carbs

[aldersonr]

I'm having trouble replacing the floats on a 260Z. I can't seem to get the bar that each one attaches to out of the housing. If anyone has any Ideas please let me know. And no, unfortunately I can't switch to the round tops just yet thx.

[Zedrally]

Regardless what other members on this board say, they can be serviced.

I've serviced mine successfully. If you follow the instructions to the letter, then you shouldn't have any problems.

I must ask why you have decided to replace the floats? Unless they are holed and the float is sunk, there is little to be gained by a changeover.

FYI. The mixture is set by float adjustment, there is no method of setting the mixture with the carbs complete and set up on the manifold.

There is a power assist valve that has seals that fail after 30 years. It's the most common problem with these carbs. Easy to fix, yet very few peolpe understand them.

I take it you have purchased the overhauled kits for these?

I'll post more info tomorrow.

MOM

[aldersonr]

Unfortunately they are holed and I had to rebuild it any way so I may as well do it right. The car sat in a garage for a little over 12 years so most of the seals have semi welded to the metal. It's taken quite a bit of berrymans but they're finally clean and ready to be rebuilt if it wasn't for the bars being stuck. I don't have a problem with these carbs at all since they've been submerged and still ran well. And yes, I've purchased everything I believe I need to do a complete rebuild. I look forward to your response, thank you.

-Robert

[Maddos]

Where can you get the kits from and how much?

[aldersonr]

I got mine through Autozone. It came with all new seals and a new float switch (don't know the tech term). However it didn't have any of the springs or hardware but you shouldn't need those. Just be prepared to do ALOT of cleaning. I definately suggest a lot of spray Berrymans and the gallon jug for soaking! One of the pistons was completely seized so that one took some work . Hopefully it was worth it, not like it's gonna hurt being unseized!

[aldersonr]

The part # is: 96-293

[aldersonr]

Oh and they're $18 each U.S.

[Maddos]

Righto, have to find somewhere local (Aus).

Kind of in the same boat as you. Want to change carbs but need some spare cash to spend on it. The flat tops aren't running too bad but would like to see the difference of SUs. Might have to stick with them till swap my L28 in and put SUs on it and leave original motor stock in corner of shed.

[sblake01]

From what I understand the non US flat tops are not as bad as the US versions. The US flat tops were basically a bad attempt at better emissions control.

[agemeansnothing]

There is always Victoria British and Motorsport.com

[Arne]

I don't necessarily believe that the flat-tops are inherently bad. The problem is that no one has non-emissions parts (especially needles and springs) for them. If you had the ability to tune and set them up properly they'd probably work about as well as round tops.

But still, the issue here is that nobody seems to ever bother rebuilding them, and so no one has the direct experience to help with your question. I'm certain that there is an answer, but finding someone who knows it will be difficult.

[agemeansnothing]

There is a book for sale by Motorsport that guides you through the process.