You could examine the needle to see if it is worn. Generally they are not
replaced,
since every model car seems to use a different one.
My advice: If you cannot figure out how to get the ZS to run well,
you should not start messing with Webers. On the ZS carb, you chould check
the damper oil (easy) and the condition of the diaphragm (almost as easy).
If it idles OK, the carb needle adjustment is probably OK. Do not assume
that the ignition timing and vacuum advance are OK; check them, too.
About the lights: The Spit wiring uses a lot of these 4-way female bullet
connectors (black rubber, about an inch long). The metal inside loves to
fall apart for some reason. TRF (and maybe others) carry them, and they are
cheap, under a buck. (TRF part number LUCWB301). Order a half dozen or so.
I already have found three bad ones in my car, and I haven't been looking very
hard.
The power for the tail lights has to pass through about 4 of these, so the odds
of there being a flaky connection somewhere are very high.
When I got my car, I found that it had a 7-ampere fuse in one position, which
was way too small. Make sure they are the right size.
Good luck,
Doug
'72 Spit
>I picked up my 1979 Spitfire 1500 today and drove it home. It was a 70 mile
>trip guessing. I did have a couple problems, mostly my own ignorance. The car
>seemed to hesitate or hiccup while at cruising speed but was fine under
>acceleration although it did sputter a little. I am thinking the carb still
>needs more adjusting. It's a rebuilt carb but the old metering needle was
>used. Next I ran out of gas 11 miles before I got to my town. The gas gage
>dose not work, should have filled up before I got on the interstate. Just
>before I got to my house the dash and all rear lights went out. Probley a
>fuse. Other than that the Spitfire ran good. It's not the PO's fault, I was
>aware that I would need to do a little work to it. I am thinking of buying a
>Weber DGV cause it seemed to run just fine when the PO had his Weber on it so
>I know it's nothing major and it's related to the ZS carb. I have no ZS carb
>adjusting tool so any advise on how to get it to smooth out would be
>appreciated. This will be my way to and from work starting Friday. It's 65
>miles one way. Thanks.
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