How To Modify The Zama EL-42

[Mastermind]

Lots of people look for the Walbro HDA199 for their ported 346XP, and 357XPs. There is another option. The EL-42 was the replacement carb for the Walbro when they became known as a trouble prone carb. The issue many people have with the EL-42 is that it doesn't supply enough fuel to supply a ported saw. Well here I'm gonna show you how to fix that issue. First, I wanna give props to my dear friend Stihlbro (Joey) for sharing with me his ideas on this mod.

The EL-42

 

[Mastermind]

See that shiny round this there with the little hole in it? Drive that out with a flat punch......all the way thru into the throat of the carb.

 

[Mastermind]

Like this.....

 

[Mastermind]

Notice that there is just a single hole leading from that groove around it into the main nozzle area.....

 

[Mastermind]

What you wanna do it drill that hole on thru to the other side......creating two holes.

 

[Mastermind]

And this is what you need to do that with......a set of micro drills and a pin vice.

 

[Mastermind]

Now after you drill it, use air pressure to blow all the swarf out......and drive it back it to the same depth, and in the same orientation that it was in when you started.

Reassemble the carb and rest assured that you will now have plenty of fuel to kill stuff with.

 

[P.M.P.]

Well Good luck trying to find a el-42 now HAHA But sharing and learning is what this place is all about Thanks man.

 

[Poleman]

Randy....GREAT JOB!!

Question for you....I tapped out that orfic like you have but mine were always a loose fit after doing that....Is yours tight??

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Cool!

 

[super3]

Good info Randy.

Randy....GREAT JOB!!

Question for you....I tapped out that orfic like you have but mine were always a loose fit after doing that....Is yours tight??

Of the several that I have done, only one was loose going back in. I used a scribe to dimple the mating surface in the carb body.

 

[Poleman]

Ahhhhhh....good idea!!!!! Thanks

 

[Chainganger]

Got my EL 42 last week for my husky 345 to 346xp conversion
Thanks for the tip!

 

[Chainganger]

Dimpling is a gunsmith trick!

 

[mnmforestry]

Thanks randy. That's awesome little trick

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Noted!

 

[Tor R]

Thanks Joey and Randy!!!
Subbed!!!

It seems I have to buy some tools now hahaha

 

[Marshy]

Is the EL-42 used on the 359 and 2159 saws too?

 

[Mastermind]

Randy....GREAT JOB!!

Question for you....I tapped out that orfic like you have but mine were always a loose fit after doing that....Is yours tight??

I've yet to have one that was loose. Weird....

Is the EL-42 used on the 359 and 2159 saws too?

Sir yes sir. That is your carb I just tweaked...

 

[Marshy]

Thought it might be. You told me how it was done but I had no appreciation for how small the hole was. Wow.