Another Weber Question?
 

I hope I don't jinx myself with this, but do I have the only set of Weber 40IDA's that run flawlessly?

OK, I admit I had a minor problem several months ago, but that was quickly cured with Techron. It doesn't matter whether it's 95 degrees F and humid or - like today - 20 degrees F and dry, the car starts and runs the same every single time! Today were the coldest temps I've driven the car in yet and I was a bit concerned how it would start and run. But no problems whatsoever. :)

I have driven several early cars, and known several people that owned Weber-equipped cars in the past 30 that run perfectly! I think the problems occur when acquiring a car with a rusty gas tank ... that has set for years unused, and with other neglected 'issues' from previous owner(s) ...

Once the 'issues' related to an aged, neglected fuel system are taken care of, I believe they are easy to keep in good running condition, and at very low cost, too!

Too many people that buy an older 911 with Webers ... do NOT go through the fuel system methodically! Random purchases and replacements of fuel pumps, coils, ignition systems, $200+ aftermarket ignition wires, etc . ... based on 'HUNCHES' and guesses, and worthless advice ... tend to get rather expensive, and contribute to a bad reputation when the bills add up, and the problem doesn't go away! How many people will admit to spending $1000+ on parts that had nothing to do with rust in the gas tank and lines, or gummed-up carbs that they were afraid to remove and clean?

It is <b>MUCH easier to complain how Webers are 'hard to tune' or how much trouble they are, RIGHT?</b> Very few people who ask or complain about Weber 'tuning issues' are actually experiencing anything to do with 'tuning' the carbs! Truthfully, Webers are easier and less expensive to maintain than a CIS-system! They DO get dirty from time to time, but there aren't multiple $100-$700 subsystems that have to be replaced periodically!

Warren, I think you're right on the mark. I talked to a mechanic at one of the very few Porsche garages around here and they refuse to work on Weber-equipped 911's!!!!! He went on to explain they never seemed to be able to get these cars running properly so they simply refuse to look at them now. Granted, some of the cars were probably basket-case deals where somebody just bolted a set of Webers on without the other necessary modifications. But still, a good shop should be able to sort them out! When I told him my car ran perfectly with them, he looked at me like I was nuts. -- Curt

I have only 2 problems - does that count?

When warm starting (stopped for more than 10 mins) I have to put the accelerator all the way down and crank for about 10 seconds. Still goes, but not easily.

And when I tromp on the gas, it stutters, then goes. This is *probably* fuel related rather than ignition and only happens if I floor it rather than press the pedal down evenly. My 30 y/o fuel pump is one possible culprit, as is Warren's rusty fuel tank. Hell, there is heaps it could be, but it only has to last for another 3 months before the NEW engine, with no more carbs...

...mind you, the '75 could do with a set of carbs, new pistons and cams.... $top me, quick, plea$e.

So, all in all, the carbs aren't really an issue for me either - they certainly pull smoothly and cleanly, and with the MSD ignition I dile very cleanly as well (yes I know it falls into the category of expensive ignition upgrades, but the factory added CD ignition for a reason).

My Weber-equipped 911 has run flawlessly for over 26 years. I've never touched them since I did the initial installation. The throttle shafts rattle a little bit as I have "S" cams but they start and run perfectly with no flatspots.

One of these days I'll swap 'em for the PMO's.

Just set them up properly and feed 'em CLEAN fuel.

I would add just one more thing to ensure trouble free Weber motoring-- make sure that they get fuel delivered at the proper pressure- 3.5- 4 lbs. When I converted, I switched to the Bosch fuel pump designed for Zenith carbs. It is a straight bolt in replacement for the MFI fuel pump, with fittings for return, suction (inlet) and pressure (outlet) lines.

My webers run great, really not having problems once set-up. They have to be set-up correctly and MUST have clean gas and air. I once had a problem and found the pain on the inside of the air cleaner chipping off. Accelerator and idle jets plug easily. Once they get dirty, the only way out is to take them apart and clean them completely. They are not that difficult to work on, but do require patience!