14 replies to this topic

[ace]

Hi

what type of oil do I use in the dash pot on the carb - also how much is there an indicator on the dash pot lid and how full do people have it??

thanks

[Asphalt]

I prefer to use automatic transmission oil.
Other swear of 15w40, others say 15w40 is the real thing, some tell you it only works with 20w50 and get blamed fo giving incorrect advice by the ones propagating 10w40.
Oh - and your local SU parts supplier of course tells you only original SU dashpot oil is the true thing...

Now awnser it to yourself
Opinios are wide spread.

Fill it up 'till the inner tube (were the damper goes in) is full.
It will level itself out then.

Regards,
Jan

[liirge]

You'll be fine with any of the following...
20w50, 10w40, 15w40, Air tool oil, anything of that sort of consistency.. some people say that 20w50 can give better preformance however when it gets warm it changes consistencey..

[Dan]

20w50, 10w40, 15w40, Air tool oil, anything of that sort of consistency

Anything of which of those four different viscosities in particular then?

If you want the carb to perform to OE spec then put SU damper oil in it. If you are trying to tune it to respond differently then you'll have to keep using different oils until you find one that you like. The viscosity of the oil and strength of the damper spring working together determines how fast the carb reacts to throttle changes. 3 in 1 is pretty similar to SU damper oil. The oil isn't going to get very warm in the dashpot, the carb is essentially refrigerated.

As for oil level, it should be 1/2" below the top of the damper tube. That's the inner tube that you can see inside the dashpot. If you over fill it don't worry, it will level out as the engine will slowly draw some off and burn it.

[liirge]

20w50, 10w40, 15w40, Air tool oil, anything of that sort of consistency

Anything of which of those four different viscosities in particular then?

If you want the carb to perform to OE spec then put SU damper oil in it. If you are trying to tune it to respond differently then you'll have to keep using different oils until you find one that you like. The viscosity of the oil and strength of the damper spring working together determines how fast the carb reacts to throttle changes. 3 in 1 is pretty similar to SU damper oil. The oil isn't going to get very warm in the dashpot, the carb is essentially refrigerated.

As for oil level, it should be 1/2" below the top of the damper tube. That's the inner tube that you can see inside the dashpot. If you over fill it don't worry, it will level out as the engine will slowly draw some off and burn it.

Ha!! you know what i meant,

[blue redtop]

3 in 1 oil works great for me.

[blacktulip]

i have used 3in1 for 8 years now on 5 minis of different tunes.

[robtheplod]

sorry, still learning here - what is a dash pot??

Edited by robtheplod, 30 December 2008 - 08:20 PM.

[Pauly]

Its the sort of big cap which the black cap ontop of the carb screws into, it houses the damper and piston/needle.

Paul.

[Ouster]

The screw bit on top of the carb.

[panelbeaterpeter]

I also use 3 in 1 now, works perfectly.

[Marky Tizz]

I've used 3 in 1 since day one, my mate laughed in disbelief but that's why my car has been on the road for 19 years, 2 of which I've had it, and his has been off the road for 3 years. Hah.

[tnewson]

My haynes manual says that 10W 40 is the oil to use.

[carthy79]

I was once recommended to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil - ideal viscosity for SU carbs. haha

[Dan]

It will rot.