Floyd Clymer's Book of the Solex Carburetor

188 pages, 189 black and white illustrations and charts, size 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Compiled and updated from the Floyd Clymer book, ‘Handbook of Imported Carburetors & Fuel Injection’, this publication focuses on the SOLEX series of carburetors. Specifically, the C 32 PAIA-7, 32 PAIA-4, 44 PHH, B 32, PBI-5, 32 PBI, 40 PBIC (or 40 PICB), 40 PI, 22 ICBT, 28 IBT, 32 PIBT, 32 PDIST, 32 DISTA, B 32 PAIA, 32 PAIA-4, 26 VFI, 26 VFIS, 28 PCI, 28 PICT (or 28 PICT I), 30 PICT, 32 PHN & 32 PDSIT. 

It is important for the reader to remember that the data was extracted from a book that was published in the mid 1960’s, so the information it contains is relevant to that date. However, as this series of Solex carburetors was in production for more than 20 years after the publication date, much of the information it contains is applicable to those same carburetors that were fitted to later makes and models of automobiles. Therefore, while some minor differences in mounting and linkage may occur, the same adjustment and tuning data can be applied.

Consequently, for the sake of simplification, this book focuses on six major UK and European manufacturers that utilized Solex carburetors including Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Sunbeam and Volkswagen. In addition, there are a number of different models included in the index under each of those manufacturers that identifies some, but certainly not all, makes and models that utilize the same, or similar, carburetors.  

The book is split into two main sections; the first section includes an overview of design and operational information, overhaul and adjustments, the second section focuses, in detail, on the installation of the various Solex carburetors identified above.

While there are certainly many other technical books that deal with current range of Solex carburetors, including those manufactured under license by Mikuni, detailed information on the earlier carburetors is more difficult to find. Consequently, we believe this book is an important addition to any automotive enthusiast’s library.