Brosol/Solex Idle Jets .55

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the heart of your air-cooled VW, the carburetor acts as the conductor of the internal combustion orchestra, and the idle jet is arguably the lead soloist. If your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia is suffering from a nagging hesitation when you pull away from a stop sign, or if it simply refuses to stay running without constant throttle feathering, you are likely dealing with a clogged or improperly sized idle jet. This EMPI .55 Brosol/Solex Idle Jet is specifically engineered to provide the precise fuel metering required for the low-speed circuit. In the vintage Volkswagen ecosystem, the idle jet carries the load from a standstill up to approximately 2,500 RPM before the main jet takes over. Upgrading to a .55 size is frequently the ''secret sauce'' for engines running on modern ethanol-blended fuels, which tend to run leaner and hotter than the fuels available when these iconic machines were originally manufactured.

Precision is the absolute name of the game when you are tuning a Solex or Brosol carburetor, and EMPI delivers that precision with these high-quality brass components. Each jet is machined to exacting tolerances to ensure that your air-fuel ratio remains consistent, providing that elusive smooth transition from the idle circuit to the high-speed circuit. Whether you are meticulously rebuilding a stock 1600cc dual-port engine or fine-tuning a custom woods buggy, having the correct jetting is essential for achieving peak performance, lower cylinder head temperatures, and better fuel economy. Don''t let a microscopic piece of debris or a corroded orifice stand between you and a perfectly running flat-four. Replacing an old, varnish-caked jet with this fresh .55 unit is one of the most cost-effective ways to restore the crisp throttle response and reliable driveability that made the air-cooled VW a legend.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All Type 1 Sedan and Convertible models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 2 models with upright engines)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Thing: 1973 through 1974 (Type 181)
• VW Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Carburetor Compatibility: Fits Solex 28 PICT, 30 PICT, 31 PICT, and 34 PICT-3/4 models
• Brosol Compatibility: Fits Brosol H30/31 and modern Solex replacement carburetors

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 43-5055-7
• Jet Size: .55 (Metric 55)
• Material: High-Grade Machined Brass
• Thread Pitch: Standard Solex/Brosol Idle Jet Thread
• Application: Idle / Transition Fuel Circuit
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each)
• Weight: 0.1 lbs (Shipping Weight)

PRO TIPS

1. The Golden Rule of Cleaning Jets

Never, under any circumstances, attempt to clean a brass idle jet by poking a wire, needle, or drill bit through the orifice. Brass is a relatively soft metal, and even the slightest scratch or enlargement of the hole will completely change the flow characteristics, rendering the jet useless for precise tuning. If you suspect your .55 jet is clogged, the professional method is to use pressurized aerosol carburetor cleaner followed immediately by high-pressure compressed air. If the varnish is particularly stubborn, soaking the jet in a dedicated carb-dip solution for an hour before using compressed air is the safest way to ensure the passage is clear without damaging the calibrated diameter.

2. Identifying the "Flat Spot" Transition

If your VW idles perfectly but "stumbles" or "coughs" the moment you step on the gas to accelerate, you are likely experiencing a lean condition in the transition circuit. This is the moment when the carburetor is switching from the idle jet to the main jet. Modern fuels with 10% ethanol require a slightly richer mixture than the original .50 or .52 jets often provided. Moving to this .55 idle jet is often the most effective way to "fatten up" that transition mixture, eliminating the flat spot and making the car much more enjoyable to drive in stop-and-go traffic. Always ensure your accelerator pump is also squirting properly, as the two systems work together during this phase.

3. Altitude and Climate Adjustments

Remember that jetting is not a "one size fits all" solution; it is heavily dependent on your local environment. If you live at a high altitude (above 5,000 feet), the air is thinner, and a .55 jet might actually be too rich, causing the engine to "blubber" or soot up the spark plugs. Conversely, if you are at sea level in a cold climate, the dense air may require even more fuel. However, for the vast majority of VW owners in standard elevations, the .55 jet is considered the "gold standard" for the 34 PICT-3 carburetor. When installing, ensure the O-ring on the jet (if applicable) or the seating surface is clean to prevent air leaks, which can mimic the symptoms of a clogged jet.