I'm in the process of installing for evaluation a new DLE 85 on an older Lanier Staudacher. I thought this would be a good test bed to see how the engine runs before installing it in a Ziroli Skyraider. In short, if it runs well I'll move it to the Skyraider, if it doesn't run up to expectations I will look for some other similar sized engine and try again.

I had read in multiple forums about carb problems on the DLE 85 and the 111. Usually the symptoms were the same with gas dripping out of the carb and any associated problems that might cause. As I do with any new Chinese engine, I looked the engine over very carefully including timing, reed block inspection, carb check, etc. Everything looked very good for the most part with timing spot on 28 degrees, reed block was Ok but surfacing the plastic mating surfaces improved the sealing surface a bit. In general the overall fit, finish and compression of the engine was very good.

I inspected the Walbro WJ clone inside and out and it also looked very good so I just reassembled it with no changes other than adding a bit of oil on the pump petals to improve the first start. Out came the pop-off tester and the fun started! I couldn't get above 10 pounds pressure and it would immediately leak down to "0" ! Hmmm, never had that happen before. So off comes the regulator diaphragm cover to inspect the metering needle. Yup ..... close inspection showed a problem here. The shoulder on the needle where the fork contacts the needle and exerts pressure to hold the needle closed was at exactly the same level as the surrounding housing. As a result, the fork contacts the needle and housing at the same time preventing the needle from fully closing. Clearly a defect! The clone needle and a genuine Walbro needle measure and fit exactly the same and the clone and Walbro metering forks are also exactly interchangeable so the problem isn't with those parts. I've attached a photo to show the needle in the housing and the problem is clearly visible. Note the shoulder on the needle and the surrounding housing at the same level.




I could send the thing back for warranty repair but as is usual for me, I'll just machine a small clearance relief in the housing around the needle and see if the problem is resolved. I see no reason this shouldn't cure the problem.

I always wondered what the problem was with these carbs and now I know, at least for my example. For the record I have several other DLE engines that use Walbro WT clones and these have all been flawless. I'm not posting this to blast DLE in any way but I thought that some people that have had problems with these WJ clones might want to know what was going on, at least in this one case.