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MG MGA - Carburator synchronizers

Hello again MG friends,
I’m very interested in buying a set of carburetor testers/synchronizers to properly adjust my MGA carburetors.
What would be a good brand and where can I purchase such items for a good price?
Again thanks for your help.
Mike
Mike PAIN

Mike,
I don't know about the twin sets (those that do both at once) but last year I bought a single airflow meter and wished I'd bought it decades back, so easy and quick to use for synchronising, easy plain to see read out, no more guessing or checking for earwax.

Don't worry about the figures and go with what you get. I set up on normal (warmed) idle and on (warmed) normal fast idle (before the choke starts to operate), always revving out and allowing to settle again before checking any adjustment, and the results seems very good.

Unfortunately for SUs you need the extra rubber cone but still good value for the ease of use and results you get.

You may be able to get it from elsewhere and at a different price but as this seller puts beware of inferior copies.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293148824322

HTH.
Nigel Atkins

ETA: if your carbs are worn, or very worn, then obviously the readings won't be totally consistent and you could spend forever trying to get them so. The actual process of adjustment shouldn't take more than 5 or so minutes at a reasonably leisurely pace.

Once set - leave the carbs alone and drive the car to get the full benefits!
Nigel Atkins

I use the Gunson G4053 Carbalancer. Quite basic and simple to use. It works ok for my purposes, which is not particularly demanding.
Its all very simple other than removing & replacing the air filters!
In fact more recently I have reverted to merely inserted a plastic straw into each dashpot and watch how they move. The technique means noremoval of the filters and is explained in this useful booklet https://www.mgexp.com/phile/1/492119/SU_idiot_guide.PDF
Graham V

Graham,
yes the difficult bit is the air filters and on a Midget getting your hand in to adjust the fast idle/choke screws.

The SU manufacturer's kit is basically those bit of bent wire, another Midget owner bought this kit but I don't know how he got on with it. This didn't appeal to me or the Gunson as I've never liked or got on with other Gunson products I've been lent, might just be me.

In the link you've put up the author has "Using an airflow meter is the optimum way to set the carbies ...To my way of thinking it is one of the cheapest, most accurate and hence the best way to balance the SU carbies". Personally I think the Unisync are too much setting up for use on only one vehicle, the "Syncrometer" can be used straight out of the box each time, no setting up at all.

To avoid having to take the air filters off in future you could do the balance check when renewing or cleaning the air filter elements.

If you lived nearer I'd bring the "Synchrometer" round to see how it compares against plastic straws which I think could be a great quick and easy first check, possibly all you need or perhaps help decided if it's worth proceeding further (depending on how well the straws compare).

I did think I could take it along to a meet and let others use it to check their carbs for balance with the engines already warmed - but I don't go to these meets as most at them only want to park their cars up and not drive them or swap drives or passenger rides, more about admiring cosmetics and tyre kicking.

Nigel Atkins

Mike,
whilst I remember, I'd have thought it'd be good practice with the single balancers at least to remove from the carb whilst revving out.
Nigel Atkins

I have used the SU balancing rods for years. Brilliant. Quite apart from being very simple to operate the greatest advantage is that you do the balancing in a 'road going' condition. i.e. both filter boxes in place. So any mis-match in airfilter airflow between the 2 is neutralised.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Yeah, I like the rods (copper wire in my case)as well Steve
Best part is not having to swap from carb to carb and are perfect for setting up the throttle linkage for part and more throttle
And as you say aircleaners
I usually do the setup without the cleaners and then fit and recheck, it's amazing how much difference there can be with what look like reasonably clean filters, but when replaced with new all is usually fine
Even one slightly over oiled K&N can show an imbalance, at part throttle specially
William Revit

Nigel
My plastic straws will beat your fancy gadget any day!
Graham V

Graham,
is it only your particular plastic straws or could I get my own (no idea where from as the places I go use pint or half-pint glasses).

My gadget isn't fancy but it is fantastic-plastic.

And even I can read the scale on it, for wires or straws I'd have to close one eye and get the mini spirit level out.

I do though take the point about the effect of the air filters, I was thinking of new paper filters, and I know from experience that you can over oil K&N filters.
Nigel Atkins

Nigel
My straws are not just "any old straws". First they are wide diameter spec, so that they sit properly in the SU chamber. And importantly, they are the type with a concertina section towards one end, so that you can bend the top inch or so at a right angle into an "L" section. It means you can set up with the top of the two straws facing each other, which enhances the visual impact of any differences when balancing.
Never cut corners with your equipment!
Graham V

I do effectively the same as Graham but with lengths of welding rods bent at 90 degrees.

By the way owning a stock of welding rods from my 70s rebuild is great as they are so useful for so many unconnected purposes particularly threading wiring behind plaster board.

Paul
Paul Dean

Graham,
totally agree about having good quality tools, all my bent wire tools were from Sketchleys.
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2020 and 13/01/2020

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