Barry Elf leading the PSVSA SU carburetor workshop.
Puget Sound Volvo Sports America had a S.U workshop at Eric’s private Sports Car Restoration Center in Snohomish, WA.
Barry lead the event with a very informative discussion on the clever and efficient British designed S.U carburetor, that is found on our vintage Volvo’s and millions of other British cars like Austin Healy, Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin, Lotus, Mini Austin & Morris, Rover and Wolseley.
Barry gave us some historical background on S.U. and what happens when the owner gives up on a poorly performing S.U and installs a single Weber carburetor. David Curtis Smith gave some color commentary on the name S.U (Skinners Union). I provided the static S.U set that we partially took apart to learn more on air induction (dash pot) and fuel mixture (metering needle and fuel jet). Some basic tuning was discussed too on the static set but thorough S.U tuning needs to be on a running old Volvo.
Mainly a club get together and drive to that part of scenic Washington State. Members Dale, Charlie and Mitch came in by ferry from the peninsula, Poulsbo, Dave and Rolf from the East, Woodinville. Jim, Dick, Walt and Holly from south Seattle and I (Marysville) and Jonny (Camano Island) from the north.
Barry the S.U guru came from the farthest from Renton.
Eric served “Meet-ish” Sveet balls (doughnut holes) aka Swedish Meatballs.
By Mike Deskins
Photo: Mike Deskins and Walt Tartar