Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question..

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 03:01
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Deadchemist

Hi all!

After hours (there's so much on these carbs) reading about the multitude of issues + remedies regarding the 2e2 I figured I'd post my issues with the hope someone might be able to point me in the right direction

So it's an Audi 80 b2 1.8 with the Pierburg 2e2. Bought the car in October and all in all it seems like a good un.

So... the issues. Seller told me that sometimes it cheats or over-runs on ignition off. That turned out to be a little optimistic as it over-runs quite often. Also runs super lumpy (as if its not firing all cylinders) for the first 20/30 seconds on a cold morning (0 / ~5).

Anyways I took it all apart and found that the flange which attaches the Carn to the inlet manifold was completely split in half. Carb was just sitting on top of the manifold. So replaced that and everything seemed in good order. Auto-choke comes on at 2000rpm for first 30secs to a few mins depending on the outside temp then settles to around 750/800rpm which seems right?

Since I fixed the flange the mixture smells super rich though, exhaust is pretty white which maybe because of the cold here in Norway (no sweet smell, compression all works out, not using any coolant) but it seems odd that it doesn't burn off the condensation and settle after a drive.

Also the engine still over-runs. Sometimes it doesn't at all, then every 3rd or 4th drive it'll over-run for 2 or 3 seconds.
Same with the running lumpy for first min or so on very cold mornings.

I've changed the vacuum lines, bought some seafoam and carb cleaner to clean the carb and run through the valves.

Anyone have any smart ideas?

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 08:28
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Oli rag

Does this carb have an anti run on device ( normally a shut off solenoid) attached to it?

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 08:39
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - elekie&a/c doctor
This is the same installation as a mk2 Golf . The 2e2 carb is very complicated . May be an idea to check basics. Ignition timing and fuel mixture . Probably going to need a gas analyser for that . Make sure all the vacuum lines are good . As already suggested, check the electrical fuel shut off solenoid if fitted. Are you running E10 fuel ? Could this make a difference?
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Sun 27 Nov 2022 09:29
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Surreydriver

Many years ago I had a 1.8 MK2 Golf fitted with this carb. No end of problems, especially when the engine got hot in traffic. Installed a Weber replacement with manual choke. Transformed the car. Ran it with no further problems until it was sold to fund an Audi 90 quattro.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 09:35
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - elekie&a/c doctor
That’s the way I would go . Weber conversions very popular on VW , Ford and Vauxhall. Better performance and economy.
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Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:17
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Deadchemist

It does have the 3point unit and plunger that should partially close the throttle on shut off, going to test that and all the earths/wires to the unit as I heard they become brittle fairly easily

As for the weber, I know they're great little carbs but would like to try to get this 2e2 working before I give up and switch.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:24
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - skidpan

Many years ago I had a 1.8 MK2 Golf fitted with this carb. No end of problems, especially when the engine got hot in traffic. Installed a Weber replacement with manual choke.

Dad had a Mk 2 Golf that had issues with the Pierburg carb out of warranty. Cost about £300 for a new carb fitted and that was in 1993.

Move onto 1995 and the replacement Pierburg went tits up, another £300 for a replacement.

As for the weber, I know they're great little carbs but would like to try to get this 2e2 working before I give up and switch

It was only after this I discovered from a work colleague with a similar Golf that there was a Weber kit that was both robust and had a manual choke for less money.

So my advice is to forget the Pierburg and get the Weber kit.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:30
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Big John


Same with the running lumpy for first min or so on very cold mornings.

Having owned a few carb VAG cars way in the past - running a bit lumpy on cold mornings is usually the ignition leads + condensation/damp. I got got fed up with changing mine every winter(which sorted it) so got into a routine of removing leads and distributor cap (note firing order!!) and popping into an oven(gas mark 1) on a paper lined baking tray for a couple of mins to lightly warm through then refit everything and coat with grease (NOT copper grease!!) which keeps out condensation. Usually did the trick.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:44
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Xileno

Another vote for switching to Weber. I did that on both my VWs although one was Solex. Never regretted it. Would it be classed as a modification though?

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:58
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Deadchemist

I found the webber conversion for about £300 on ebay but I want to try with the 2e2 first. I'll tell my insurance if I switch it out, those lizards will use any excuse to not pay out if something happened.

Also bought new leads/dizzy cap/rotary arm/plugs so we'll see of that helps with the lumpy running.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 13:33
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Surreydriver

I notified my insurer at the time. Noted as direct replacement, not performance modification.

Once installed ( it sat slightly higher than the Pierburg) , it was not easy to tell that there was any change from standard inside the engine bay.

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Sun 27 Nov 2022 20:42
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Crickleymal

A few years back I had a Lads Riva 1300 estate. The Russian carburettor was terrible fuel consumption was not good and there was a terrible flat spot when the second chicken started to open (vacuum controlled I think). I replaced it with a Weber which had a mechanically operated second choke and it transformed things. At least 16% more economical and no flat spot. I think it paid for itself in less than a year.

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Mon 28 Nov 2022 16:39
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Surreydriver

Russian carburettors are even more complicated than i had imagined......

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Tue 29 Nov 2022 01:51
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - Crickleymal

Russian carburettors are even more complicated than i had imagined......

Heh! I checked what I'd written bit somehow choke became chicken. Bizzare but amusing. A vacuum controlled chicken should be good to watch.

Edited by Crickleymal on 29/11/2022 at 01:53

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Mon 5 Dec 2022 22:06
Audi 80 B2 1.8 - Just another Pierburg 2e2 question.. - edlithgow

I found a 1600 Lada fitted with a Weber in an Edinburgh scrappy when I was looking for a starting-handle-compatible radiator for my 1200 Mk1. Should have bought it, but was too stingy and short sighted.

OP, running on could indicate a need for a decoke. I did a distilled water decoke on my Skywing (plant sprayer and 2 liters of deionised) and it stopped doing it, though my trigger finger got pretty sore.

A lot easier than a carb strip and clean, though I've done that as well.

Edited by edlithgow on 05/12/2022 at 22:12

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