My Sammy (1988, 1.3, 8V)is currently at a friends garage receiving some long over-due TLC and PM.  We are, among other things, chasing down vacuum leaks - one of which turned out to be a bad intake gasket.  When pulling the carb and intake I was SHOCKED, SHOCKED I TELL YOU, to see all of the vacuum lines, water hoses and electrical garbage associated with the stock carburetor.  I once had a V-8 Ford with tri-power that wasn't this complicated!

I'm going to see how it runs when we put it back together, but my question is how much of these vacuum lines, water lines, electrical, etc., can be eliminated with a 32/36 Weber conversion?  No emission issues as the vehicle isn't licensed and is only used on my farm.

Also, does anyone know of an on-line source for installation instructions?

Thanks in advance for your help........

I would point you to Ack's FAQ, Google it

here is a map of the hoses for your Hitachi should you want to try to get it running properly:

http://www.acksfaq.com/Samvacuumlines.htm


As for the Weber Conversion:

You can rip everything associated with the Hitachi out of the Samurai Including all the electronics when you do a Weber replacement.

The Weber only requires a vacuum port (on the side of the Carburator) for distributor vacuum advance.

All the vacuum ports on the intake manifold must be tightly plugged up - except for the PCV which must remain funtional.

You should also set up both the fuel inlet and outlet hoses to keep from over-pressurizing the fuel lines and float valve.

Although I have been running a Sarge-Prepared 32/36 for 9 years, I would also recommend looking at the My-Side Harley-Davidson system sold by Zuks Offroad.  Many Samurai owners have had great success with this intake system - better performance, better MPG and fewer off-camber stalling problems.

I hope that this helps!

Thanks guys

I just ordered a Weber kit w/ man choke for $250.  Seems to be the cheapest way to go unless you build yourself a CV set-up.

I know what the add says but do verify it IS a weber and not a solex when it arrives!

I should know in a couple days.  Is a solex a knock-off? Should I be worried?

Solex is OEM VW stuff, but should be fine if it is, Webber is more performance
oriented and has a reputation of being harder to tune and get right

Wild

OK Guys, the conversion to the new Weber went grrrrreat!  Sammy has never run so well. 

Only one question:  I replaced the PVC valve and have the rubber hose from it attached to the bottom of the carb as the instructions suggest.  NOW, what about the 3/8" (+/-) opening on the top of the valve cover?  Should I cap it?

NO!!!!!

If I'm not mistaken the vent line from the valve cover originally went to one side of the top of a T piece, the stem of the T went to the PCV valve in the manifold and the other side of the top of the T went to the air filter housing - you need to recreate that.

If you plug the vent you'll end up blowing out the front end seals (cam, crank or both), if you leave it open or put a breather filter on it you'll end up spraying oil vapour all over the engine and it'll make a mess when the dirt sticks to it.