Solex filter problem

[theunz]

Anyone have any tricks for attaching the base plate to the carbs? I have a NOS late style filter and there is not enough room to get a socket on the bolts. The stud is to close to the mini air horn for a socket, and there is not enough room on the bottom bolts to get any movement with a wrench. I'd rather not grind on the air horn. Hoping not to have to cut my 10mm wrench down to 2 inches
Whatcha got guys!

[Jujuman]

i was pulling off my late model and i had to remove all of them alittle bit at a time to increase the space for travel of the nut. as you lossen them the plate will separate from the carbs. giving you more room to spin the nut off.
I think i was able to get the open end of kobalt 10mm with the flex ratchet closed end on it from an angle and move it just a "flat" turn until it was finger loose.

you may consider crowfoot wrench, snapon/amazon etc
TEKTON 2580 3/8-Inch Drive Crowfoot Wrench Set, Metric, 10 mm - 24 mm, 10-Piece
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2580-8-In ... A18WHYXXV7

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[Gregs672000]

As I recall, the carbs have studs, right? One option you may consider is to remove the studs and instead secure the plate to the carbs with an Allen headed bolt that may (?) pass by the horn more easily than the nut. The draw back to that is that you put more stress on the carbs threads, but if you're careful you'll be fine (I have been for many years). The bolts may be easier to start in by hand and be steadied with the Allen wrench (the ones I've used have some cross hatching for grip). Then you use the allen wrench to spin them on and tighten. Other than that, I do remember the nuts being a bugger to do, but you can do it with a very thin wrench.

[cktrap]

The tool that works for me.

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[theunz]

Thanks guys, I knew you’d come through! All good ideas. Like cktrap I’m I’m a fan of modifying tools. That’s some serious bending there. All of these solutions will allow more torque than a 2” long wrench.

[cktrap]

Here's another angle of the snake.
Keith

[theunz]

I think you should nickname that thing the Viper! Anyway, while thinking about a plan of attack this morning, I remembered that there was a set of metric ignition wrenches in the tool box I just inherited from my recently deceased father. The 10mm was just the ticket. Comforting to know he's still helping out. Thanks Dad!

[david premo]

Cut just enough of the air horn off (half circle) where the studs holes are so you can get a 1/4 inch socket on and it makes the install a breeze with little to no effect on the stack.

[spl310]

It isn't that tough to use a wrench.

[bkippen]

I know this is mainly a complaint section about the backing plate but doesn't anyone see the pure genius behind the design?

That nut cannot no matter how much it loosens fall off and get sucked into the intake!! Use the cut off 10mm wrench approach or the stubby but don't modify it. This is a perfectly designed pain in the butt for good reason.

Just my 2c

[theunz]

As I mentioned above, the ignition wrench worked great. And like Brian, I too noticed the silver lining. Don't know if it was done intentionally or just a happenstance. And I just can't make myself modify a rare stock part. Thanks again for all the good ideas!