Look what I didnt see when I took the Air Filter off.

Carb is only about 9 months old. I have already had to have the solenoid changed as it kept sticking closed which the vendor wasnt happy about. (A recognised and highly regarded VW Specialist)

Two questions:-
What Damage is likley to have happened? (Refuses to idle but I beleive thats do to with crap from the tank clogging the jets. But perhaps not )
Do I stand a chance taking it back to the vendor?

 

Looks very naughty, and you need to find the screw, i would go buy a magnetic flexible thing and have a route around down the inlet manifold with it (you may get lucky) other than that the screw could be anywhere and causeing damage to the valves or valve seats, but see if you can find it before worrying too much. (all provided the screw is steel and not brass?)

I have one of these very handy for getting those dropped spark plugs out too.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht429-flexible-inspection-mirror?da=1&TC=SRC-magnetic

 

The extra hole in the flap could have something to do with it not idling. If the carb is only 9 months old is it a Bocar or EMPI one?

If the screw came off when in situ then it will likely make its way into the combustion chamber through the inlet manifold. Which is obviously not good.

 

Its an EMPI one. Just to add insult to injury the heads are new!
Being optimistic is there a chance that it would have been spat out through the exhaust?

Ive not seen these screws for sale. Anyone know where i can get one? Is the vendor under any obligation to exchange the carb?

 

if that screw has come out and wasn't missing when the carb fitted it will be stamped into your piston crown by now. do a compression test on it and see whats what

 

Will try a compression test at the weekend. Im going to <vendor name omited by poster> to get a new Dizzzy Cap and Rotor. I ask them about the carb and see how snotty they get about it.

 

my empi carb gave me all kinds of hell .... where did you get it from?
i'd risk taking it back and see how you get on

 

Yeah you would think that i knew better than installing a new carb without a filter. However, im disappointed to report that I didnt. However I will be getting a filter tonight, dropping the carb and giving it a clean.

I was assured that the card wasnt like the empi crap of the past as was a good quality item. Some folks will say anything to make a sale

 

Tell you what Marowak. If they put their hands up apologize and replace the carb, ill be happy and youll never know where i got it from.

If they get all prissy about it (which im 95% sure they will) ill name and shame (and ill be honest with them about doing so).

Lesson Learnt -> Just because they are the local supplier and everyone loves them doesnt mean they sell the best gear or have the right attitude when things dont go right.

 

Im a filter between the pump and carb man. Dont know why, just always done it that way.

 

I wouldn't worry about the screw. It's possible it's been spat out of one of the exhaust valves. Unlikely to damage your pistons, as there's clearance in the combustion chambers.

The carb looks appalling quality BTW. I'd seriously advise getting a good second hand Solex, stripping and cleaning it, and using that. Beware the man who tells you "you need a new carb"...they've stopped thinking. Anything they fit is going to be worse than you had before.

Carbs really don't wear out (apart from the spindle bushes, which is an easy fix), they just get bunged up.

 

Im hoping there is no further damage.

Will check with the vendor if a cash refund would be possible. I still have the old carb, nothing ever fell off that one but it was a bugger to tune (which is why i bought the new one).

 

Yeah it was the idle adjustment which was the pain. There may have been some wear as no matter how many turns in or out from a starting position of 2, sod all happened.

 

The one that's left there looks like its the wrong screw i would take that out and check its not a wood screw