Carburettor Issues
Symptoms
Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, black smoke, poor fuel economy, fuel smell.
Cause
The EJ/EH uses Stromberg (single-barrel, 149ci) or Stromberg twin-barrel (179ci) carburettors. After 60+ years, the internal components, needle valves, floats, accelerator pump diaphragms, jets, and gaskets, are all worn. Modern fuel with ethanol attacks old rubber components.
Fix
Rebuild the carburettor with a rebuild kit ($60-120).
If genuine Stromberg kits are unavailable, many owners convert to a Weber carburettor, a Weber 32/36 DGAV suits the 149, while a Weber 40/40 DCOE or similar is popular on the 179.
Weber conversions cost $400-800 including manifold adapter and provide improved throttle response and easier tuning.
For the 179, a set of twin SU carburettors on a purpose-built manifold was a popular period modification and is still available through specialists.
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