8 replies to this topic

[underdog]

A bit of history...
My 998 was running very rich so I adjusted the carb mixture (it was rich...very rich), adjusted the idle and fast idle. All was set up perfectly...until the next day, when I noticed the RPMs were back around 1000 or so...back under the bonnet I go.

I discovered the return spring on the choke was not strong enough to pull the cam lever back even when the choke is pushed all the way back in. I cleaned and lubed the spring to try and free up the action to see if the spring would fully return the choke cam lever...It's a no go.

So, I go online and I can find the parts on diagrams but have no luck in finding the part to purchase online.

Are these parts only available in carb rebuild kits?
Are they springs that can be found at any automotive store (even in the states)?
Is there something else I should do to fix the problem other than replacing the springs?

[ginigwunkle]

you dont say what carb but i assume an hs4 with it being 998.

i have never actually seen replacement springs you mean

( i take its the small 2/3 coil spring actually on the choke arm)

are you in the states?

has the spring moved from where it should 'sit' on the carb body as its a pain to get right place...!

[underdog]

First off...thanks for answering my post.

I am in the States, and usually the auto parts dealers only give me dumb looks when I start talking about 998 engine parts.

Yes, the springs are the little round coil springs on the choke arm. The springs are there and in the right place, but they don't seem to have the necessary return force to pull the choke back off. I have liberally sprayed the springs with penetrating oil to try and free up the action. There does seem to be some improvement, but since those springs are 43 years old I just wondered if they should/could be replaced?

Of course, If the penetrating oil does its thing, I'll blast it again with Carb cleaner and dry lube it to avoid gunk build-up.

The car was reasonably taken care of before I purchased it, but there are plenty of small performance and economy sapping things like this, that I am trying to tackle before I start my exterior restoration. Given that I am new to the ways of the mini and only a marginal...er uh...minimal mechanic, finding parts or even knowing what to call the part can be a challenge.

[Jammy]

Depending on the condition I'd be inclined to just order a rebuild kit and rebuild the carb while you have it apart and the spindle off.

Most bits can be bought from Burlen Fuel Systems, or Minispares or Moss (who'll get their parts from Burlen). However if you join TMF+ (announcement at top of Technical section) and order from Moss or Minispares you'll get a discount!

[Elfman]

I've got the same problem on my Mark 3 Elf.
I've tried greasing the spring and so on but it still does not shut properly when you ease the choke back in.
What I found was that the spring works OK when the choke is pushed back in from the full open position. So I now pull the choke out a second time and push it home firmly.
I'm also looking for a new spring. If I find two I'll let you know.

[Big_Adam]

Could semi-botch it.

Find a screw that fits into the end of the choke wire hold (that wee tiny thing, always loose it when you take the damn things off.

Superglue two bots to it around 3mm apart then run a spring from it to the carb plate. It's a botch yeah but it's a fit for the time being untill you get round to the new part, also being in the US it might be simpler to do.

[BoboGib]

Have a look here.

Somerford Mini


If they have want you give them a ring. I'm sure they will send it over the pond for you.

[MiniAuto]

i got mine from Burlen Fuel Systems website took about 3 days to come and was only a couple of squid

[underdog]

Thanks for the 411, I'll get right on it.