Temperature Compensator on SPICA

ar1750gtv · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 07:25 PM

As the temperatures here in Colorado are steadily declining, I was wondering should I change the temperature compensating lever on top of the barometric sensor from N (Normal) to C (Cold) and/or F (Freezing). I drove it last winter in the N position without any noticable difference in performance or starting ability.

Thanks.

**Roadtrip** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 08:02 PM

The temperature compensator lever really isn't of much practical use. I'd leave it in "N" until the temperature gets down to 5-10F. Other Denver owners do this with good results.

ar1750gtv · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 10:58 AM

I'm assuming that I would set the lever to C at these temps? And leave the F for "trully Arctic conditions", as Pat Braden says.

JoeCab · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 12:31 PM

Garret,

I just leave mine on "N" as well. My car is fairly rich to begin with ( Ingram HP pump) and I don't think the extra enrichment from this adjustment is really needed.

Are you having hard starting issues?

Joe

ar1750gtv · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 12:41 PM

Hi Joe,

No starting issues. I have just wondered about the temp compensator and if anyone was making a change with the cold weather. I'll probably leave it alone as I have no starting or performance difference regardless of the outside temperature.

**Roadtrip** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-29-2003, 08:06 PM

For those who'd like a little more background on this discussion:

At idle and low rpms there is almost no difference in the amount of fuel delivered relative to the temp lever position. At high speed and load, there is a significant difference. The reason is that the temp lever allows the compensator link arm to ride a little high on the vertical notched lever. At idle and since the vertical notched lever is straight up, the position of the compensator link is virtually the same regardless of which notch it's in. However, the radius of movement on the vertical notches lever is significantly different between the top of the notches and the lower notches. Hence, why at idle there is no difference in fuel delivery, while at large throttle demand, there's much more proportionally.

Here's a rather crude quick drawing of the relationship of the internal parts. Where it indicates rich and lean next to the Altitude Compensator, you can also use low altitude (rich) and high altitude (lean).

montelatici · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 04:33 PM

And I thought C=Caldo N=Normale and F=Freddo.

Alfredo

**Roadtrip** · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 04:54 PM

Quote:

And I thought C=Caldo N=Normale and F=Freddo.