Model Engine Maker

Engines => From Plans => Topic started by: Trevorc on February 01, 2021, 07:46:20 PM

Title: Needles for needle valves in carburettors.
Post by: Trevorc on February 01, 2021, 07:46:20 PM
Hello
Does anybody have advice on type and source of suitable needles for use in needle valves on carb.
My current project, an Anzani Y , specifies a 1/16 inch hole in jet and a 1/32 inch diameter tapered needle.
Have used small diameter sewing needle BUT these have a curved point not a nice uniform taper as the drawings suggest. Using sewing needle means that the control of fuel flow is either “ all or nothing” there is not incremental increase in flow are at exit from jet.
Have others encountered similar problems? What was solution?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Trevorc
Title: Re: Needles for needle valves in carburettors.
Post by: cnr6400 on February 01, 2021, 08:34:25 PM
I've made a number of successful carb needles by placing the drill rod or music wire needle in the lathe chuck, The Dremel tool with an alum oxide wheel is placed in a holder on the toolpost, and the compound rest of the lathe set to the needed taper angle. My lathe is an old worn out 9" South Bend. I use the compound rest's leadscrew to move the grinding wheel across the needle end (using very fine feeds) until the needle is finished to a fine point and nice smooth finish. Very slow to do, and limited to about 1.5" of taper, but gives a good result. The lathe ways are covered with a cloth during these ops to keep the grinding dust out.
Title: Re: Needles for needle valves in carburettors.
Post by: Brian Rupnow on February 01, 2021, 09:05:33 PM
I use sewing needles. You can buy a pack of various sizes from any fabric shop. I never had luck trying to make my own needle.---Brian
Title: Re: Needles for needle valves in carburettors.
Post by: Ramon Wilson on February 01, 2021, 10:52:38 PM
Hi Trevor, I've described the method I use a few times on here - such as https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,1334.120.html (https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,1334.120.html) - scroll to post #125

I've made quite a few needles in this manner all of which have worked well with the basic needle valve assembly used in IC diesel engines. Simple to do and effective.

Might be worth a look ?

Regards - Tug
Title: Re: Needles for needle valves in carburettors.
Post by: nj111 on February 02, 2021, 09:56:54 AM
Interesting link, thank you Ramon
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