My VW Golf Mk. 2 Ryder model with Pierburg/Solex 2E2 carburettor is idling too fast which was a cause for MOT failure today. I have a Haynes manual for the car but can't work out how to tweak the idle down from 1500ish to 850ish RPM. Anyone know a quick fix just to satisfy the MOT police?

Simon in Morden, October 2009

Ian - would that be the CO Adjusting Screw I can see in the Pierburg/Solex 2E2 carb components exploded diagram? Looks like you can get to it via a hole in the air filter casing.

Mordenmarauder, October 2009

Solex carbs are about the easiest carbs you will ever find, If its failed its mot on been to fast then they are moaning on about emissions, Its the airscrew you need to be screwing in, to stop air from getting in, and out for more air, look at the manual look for the air intake idle screw and the main idle screw, Also make sure your acclerator cable is correctley fitted and isnt to tight, Which will rev the engine as well,

Ian Mechanic, October 2009