Solex 28-PICT-1 refurb

I was fortunate enough to pick up an original Solex 28-PICT-1 for a fiver (literally the same cost as the postage!). It was in need of restoration, but that's what I am all about:

Fortunately I had my VW workshop manual to guide me through the disassembly process (not needed, but reassuring to have): 

Evidentially this carb has never been overhauled as the original Solex branded gasket was still present:

I got hold of a rebuild kit, which gave me the correct gaskets, diaphragms and needle valve, although I ultimately opted to keep the original valve:

After the carb was broken into component parts I gave everything a few hours in the ultrasonic cleaner. It came up better than expected and revealed that the parts were in a good state of repair:

Comparing against an exploded diagram, I took stock of what I had. Everything was present apart from the accelerator pump discharge tube, which I will have to find at a future swap meet. The carb was a pleasure to rebuild as it went back together without issue: 

Looking fresh and now ready for installation on the engine, along with the recently refurbed fuel pump:

However, that's where I hit a slight snag (an issue I once knew, but had forgotten); with the car upgraded to an alternator, there was not enough space to seat the carb in place. Fortunately, there is an aftermarket solution, which is effective a space to raise up the height of the carb slightly. Another thing on the shopping list. 

Hopefully, I will get this tested next year and between this reconditioned carb and the fuel pump, the engine will have a more faithful resemblance to an original engine. 

Pierburg fuel pump rebuild

Apologies for another long absence, it seems that I may be unofficially trying for the longest classic car restoration in history. Maybe I should reach out to Guinness and have it recognised as such when Gretchen finally gets back on the road in 2050? Anyway, I will explain in due course why things seemingly stalled yet again, but it is an exciting story for another time. 

Back to business. The last time I updated on reviving the old engine and getting her purring once again. That was a thrill and since then I have been thinking about reinstating some original components as a lot of the ancillaries currently installed are inferior aftermarket parts. Back when I was a young student (and thus dependent on the car as my daily driver) my motivation was always just to keep the car on the road. So when things would fail I would simply buy the cheapest generic replacement part and toss the old parts as though they were worthless scrap (little did I know!). Fast forward to the present day and I am acutely aware that original VW parts are far superior and fortunately there are serviceable parts available to enable the rebuilding of certain things.

So, I picked this original Pierburg fuel pump up from a swap meet for £10. It is period correct to my car (manufactured in 1965) and was a prime candidate for a rebuild:

 The old pump was stripped down:

I than ran it through the ultrasonic cleaner, which brought it up almost like new:

The rebuild kits are comparatively expensive, but I am grateful they exist:

 All parts laid out and ready for assembly:

It was then a case of checking the serviceability of the used parts and replacing the old stiff and cracked diaphragm:
 

Everything went back together easily and it occurred to me just how relaxing this part of the process is:

To set the main diaphragm to the required assembling position (as stipulated by VW) I used a bolt clamped firmly in the vice and ensured that it protruded exactly 14mm:

With the top portion only loosely held on by the machine screws, I clamped down the base of the pump with the bolt pushing up on lever with the correct lift. I was then able to tighten down the machine screws which clamps the diaphragm into the correct position:

Rebuilt and looking great. I will fit this up to the engine soon and give it a test run, just need to renew my old fuel hoses first: