blumax
(deceased)
Before re-installing carbs
Verify that the base of each carb is perfectly flat as--with passage of time it isn't uncommon to develop warpage of the base section(s)--which alone will create the good possibility of a vacuum leak if not addressed.
Suggestion--before re-installing your carbs--using a thick piece of glass placed on a solid flat surface and then between your carb base and the glass position a piece of fine emery cloth hone the base to as nearly flat as you can. Visually inspect from time to time and that will disclose how flat you have succeeded in "truing" the bases. This technique is one that was/is regularly practiced by experienced old timers who had years of carb experience in trouble shooting vacuum leaks. Also when re-installing--to avoid "tweaking" the base--
carefully tighten the base nuts in rotation to the specified torque spec as if you were installing a wheel with a 4 bolt pattern.
As to the plumbing that you are worried about. My suggestion is to junk it--as when it was designed and installed it was a clumsy attempt at best to meet smog standards--unless it has been rigorously serviced and maintained since installed--highly unlikely--it has become irrelevant in the operation of your car that is now approaching 40 years of age. It is unecessary to keep. The minor smog equipment that was originally fitted to most E-9's has long ago been removed--it's very doubtful that leaving it will merit higher marks for originality of your E-9 at future display or concours judging.
HTH
Verify that the base of each carb is perfectly flat as--with passage of time it isn't uncommon to develop warpage of the base section(s)--which alone will create the good possibility of a vacuum leak if not addressed.
Suggestion--before re-installing your carbs--using a thick piece of glass placed on a solid flat surface and then between your carb base and the glass position a piece of fine emery cloth hone the base to as nearly flat as you can. Visually inspect from time to time and that will disclose how flat you have succeeded in "truing" the bases. This technique is one that was/is regularly practiced by experienced old timers who had years of carb experience in trouble shooting vacuum leaks. Also when re-installing--to avoid "tweaking" the base--
carefully tighten the base nuts in rotation to the specified torque spec as if you were installing a wheel with a 4 bolt pattern.
As to the plumbing that you are worried about. My suggestion is to junk it--as when it was designed and installed it was a clumsy attempt at best to meet smog standards--unless it has been rigorously serviced and maintained since installed--highly unlikely--it has become irrelevant in the operation of your car that is now approaching 40 years of age. It is unecessary to keep. The minor smog equipment that was originally fitted to most E-9's has long ago been removed--it's very doubtful that leaving it will merit higher marks for originality of your E-9 at future display or concours judging.
HTH
