Re: [T3] isolator blocks

["Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 22 Mar 00, at 2:21, lovekeira@earthlink.net wrote:

> So I got these here isolator blocks and I'm supposed to use these with
> my carbs? They're 1/4" thick! I dont know if I have even that much
> room for displacement under there. Its a pretty tight fit as it is...

I don't think the OE carb setup ever actually used these, but they 
do sound like a good idea to me, just off the top of my head. If you 
have the FI isolators I don't think they are quite 1/4" thick, but 
close. There could be a space problem, and I think the head studs 
on the FI heads stuck out a bit farther; are yours long enough?

> Ok, now someone remind me what these things do. And furthermore when I
> install these, do I consider them the gasket? Or do I gasket between
> the block and the head and the block and the intake manifold as well.

I think the idea is that they provide thermal insulation between the 
head and the carb. This is only important after you shut down a hot 
engine; it limits the amount of gas that boils off during the "heat 
soak" following shut-down. During operation there is not a problem 
because the air is constantly expanding in the Venturi, cooling the 
carb.

The OE FI isolators had paper gaskets bonded to each side. After 
these disintegrate, I scrape the plactic clean and use '67 paper 
gaskets on each side. I don't like seeing people use the alum 
beetle gaskets here as I think they can overstress the plastic and 
crack it. Both the isolators and the paper gaskets can be reused 
as long as they are intact. The correct paper gaskets are not part 
of any of the gasket sets I have ever seen.

> You know, this is sick, but I'm actually looking forward to it getting
> warm so I can play with my CARBURETORS. I've been learning a little
> about them this winter.

Sure would be nice to get over this hump, wouldn't it Mike?

-
Jim Adney
jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711-3054

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