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MG TD TF 1500 - SU super Dry Kits

With summer tours on the horizon and my TF1500 carbs "weeping" after only just over 5000 miles since they were rebuilt am looking to rebuild with the new supposed "super dry" kits. Anyone any experience with them please? Are you pleased and do they actually work? Thanks in anticipation.
JK Mazgaj

Never heard of them, JK. What's their function? Bud
Bud Krueger

Here's what I found Bud, I assume this is what the gent is talking about. Burlin sells it. PJ

PJ Jennings

That's correct PJ. I spoke to Burlin and they said a ideal replacement for the original repair kit for the SU carb. HOWEVER I've had a response from one UK user who stated the following
"I have tried rebuilding a couple of SU carburetters with these kits I found them very tight around the jet and difficult to assemble.
I was not happy with the tightness, the jet did not want to return easily using the choke. I removed them and fitted viton 'O' ring kits from Danbury Hydraulics (on ebay) much cheaper and work fine."
As Steve has commented he's heard mixed reports. Am considering just trying on one and using the viton on the other to compare. The comment regarding the assembly problem and Steves may be poor manufacturing? However I've always found Burlins products fit for purpose.
JK Mazgaj

If you were in the US, I would say give Joe Curto at British Superior a call. That is getting it from the horses mouth as far as I am concerned.

I would assume you have a go-to SU repair shop in the UK that can give their opinion.

Not that your idea of putting one of each on and evaluating them would not be very helpful for us.
Bruce Cunha

I added a pair of these to my H4's late last year and they are great. I also tried the viton o rings and these Burlin parts are far superior a fit and I would recommend them. One note is that I did have to remove the sharp edges all the brass parts.
Regards
Rod Murray
54 TF 3006
Rodney G Murray

Looking at the EBay listing etc for the Danbury Hydraulics it shows no listing for the TF1500 -1 1/2 SUs Vitron Kits so have contacted them direct. However had a long conversation with Burlin. They made the following comments which have been very helpful.
1) Cars with traditional cork type gaskets suffer when the car is infrequently used. The cork gaskets dry out and therefore weep.
2) The real problem with the super dry kit is that the seals being vitron/rubber type it is more difficult to centralize the jet due to friction caused by the seal. They therefore need to be well lubricated on installation to ensure the jet moves freely to allow the important centralizing process.
So in summary I've ordered traditional cork kits and a super dry kit. Will set up both and await the result.
JK Mazgaj

I’m tired of hearing about SU kits being the magic elixir to carb rebuilds.

90% of those folks who buy a premium rebuild kit and DIY, are not doing a complete job; and a major source of air/gas leakage will continue forever

A compete SU rebuild requires either a new and OVERSIZE throttle shaft, or the carb body being reamed out with a special reamer, and fitting nylon inserts.

This can only be done by a professional like Joe Curto.

GORD cLARK
Rockburn, Qué.
Gord Clark

I note your point Gord. I will respond by saying in my case the throttle shaft was replaced with the correct procedure. Whilst in the UK meant that using Joe Curto costs are prohibitive the machinist was well aware of the required steps (excuse the pun I'm not referring to the one required in the carb body ). The video produced by John Twist of University Motors is an excellent tutorial.
JK Mazgaj

Bob Johnson rebuilt mine and they came back better than new! 9 years and I haven't touched them since!
PJ Jennings

Who is Bob Johnson? Where can he be reached?

Joe Curto, whilst doing excellent work, is now a 3 month wait.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gord Clark

Here you go Gord.

JT's Carburetors, Bob Johnson -SU Carburetor Specialist, the former Jim Taylor company
PO Box 493, Claremore, OK 74018
jtcarburetor@gmail.com
918-850-3905

James Neel

This thread was discussed between 04/02/2024 and 04/03/2024

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