272 carburetion problem.

Fix · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 07:30 PM

I couldn't decide whether to post this in the y block forum or in the fuel forum. I figured I would try here first.

My truck (41 ford with a 272) loads up with fuel after a few minutes of driving, it will eventually flood out completely and die. I haven't taken the carb off yet, but it seems like it just flattens out (as if it needs secondary jets, or if they are there that they aren't working). There just isn't any power in it.

The carb I'm using is a 2300 Holley 2 barrel. It's never really worked right, and I bought the truck with this setup. I'm preparing to rebuild the carb this week, but before I dump any money into it, I wondered if anyone has used this carb on the y block, and if I should just replace it. I have a four barrel manifold as well, but it's the older small bolt pattern four, and I don't have a carb that fits that manifold.

I'm not opposed to the 2 barrel, if it will work correctly. I just don't want to put money and time into it only to find out that it just isn't a good carb for this motor.

I guess I'm just hoping to hear some good news about this carb setup, before I go forward with the rebuild.

Thanks.

THX1138-Z · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 08:23 AM

Either the power valve or the gasket under the power valve would be the first place to check. Be sure the power valve gasket doesn't slip to the side when installing the power valve or fuel will just go straight to the engine. The 2300 Holley was original equipment on many of the pickup engines.

Fix · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 08:48 AM

I thought the 2100 Holley was the standard equipment for these motors.

As long as it will work I'll go with rebuilding it. With gas going up, I probably don't want the four barrel anyway.

Someone else recommended adding a spacer between the carb and intake. Any thoughts on whether this would help?

Up until now, the truck has had the wrong gears in it. It topped out at fifty. I've added new gears, and of course now that it's more drivable , I want to drive it more. It does sound pretty cool.

Thanks for your help.

46yblock · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 10:51 AM

Fix, 292s were supplied with Autolite 2100 2V carbs from the late 50's to 1964, and they are very similar to the Holley 2300. I used a 2100 on my 292 for the last couple years and it worked very well. 2100s for truck 292s flowed 248 cfm.
Aside from needing rebuilt, your 2300 may be in the 350 cfm range, which would be too much for the 272.
The 2100 with 1.02 venturi (248 cfm) would give you better throttle response than the 2300 I think, and as good as you can get in gas mileage if in good order. A downside is that the peak rpm on the 2100 will be close to 4000. Also, they are very easy to rebuild.

Fix · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 05:28 PM

Supposedly the motor has been bored to 312. But I seriously doubt that this ever happened. It did however get at least new pistons and rings when the rebuild was supposed to have occurred (I've seen the reciepts).

If I had a 2100 layin' around I'd probably try both to see which works best, but I only have the one on it. I'm going to pick up a rebuild kit tomorrow. If i can't get it to work well enough to drive, I'll have to look for other options, and that 2100 might sound like a better deal then. Right now, I'm hoping that it's just not working correctly or really badly adjusted.

Thanks for the help. I at least know that the carb should work. Now I get to figure out why it isn't.

46yblock · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:42 PM

Hope it works out well. If you ever do go looking for a 2100, they came in many different configurations. What you want is one with the number 102 cast into the body inside a circle. The car versions were automatic choke, and the trucks manual. It is easy and inexpensive to convert from auto to manual.

Sam_Fear · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 07:43 PM

I've heard over and over that if the motor has backfired it probably blew the power valve. Also that power valve is known not to seal well. Float needle not seating completely maybe?

Fix · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 09:40 AM

As far as I know the carb has never been rebuilt.

I've probably put enough time into this truck to have just changed the engine out by now. But the y-block just looks so cool in there.

I took the carb off this morning. I'm going to get parts in an hour or so. It actually looks pretty clean (on the outside). The power valve looks to be leaking. It's pretty wet under there. Kind of surprised it hasn't caught fire before.

Thanks for all the help.

Fix · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 03:53 PM

Well, It works again. Thanks for all the help.
Turns out the power valve was stuck. The new one works much easier, and the truck runs great.

Thanks again for the help.

46yblock · #10 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 06:39 PM

Good job. They say that after years, dont know how many, the power vavles get brittle and start malfunctioning due to age.

Glad to hear you are still running the Y!

Fix · #11 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 46yblock

Good job. They say that after years, dont know how many, the power vavles get brittle and start malfunctioning due to age.

Glad to hear you are still running the Y!

To tell you the truth, I did consider changing it out. This motor had just about everything wrong when I got it. Old style distributor, Head gaskets in wrong (overheated something fierce), The exhaust manifolds are still a little weird and I would like to find headers, it had at least four vacuum leaks, and a poorly modified oil pan to clear the cross member that reduces the oil capacity by at least a quart (I installed a remote oil filter that gave me back that quart). Oh, and the distributor rubbed the firewall (can't believe it didn't break the cap when the engine torqued up).

After three years of messin' with it, I'm not about to change it out now. At this rate I will have replaced everything on it in a few more years.
Plus it does sound really cool. there's really nothing cool about small blocks anyway, right?

46yblock · #12 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 07:55 PM

From my perspective, putting the time and effort you have into the truck and engine gives a person a lot more appreciation, and understanding of what they are driving.
The recent post I made regarding weird spark... the owner of the Packard had never even pulled a spark plug. Therefore he was at a total loss when it wouldnt start.
My distributor rubs the firewall too, at least one of the boots does. Makes putting in and taking out wires a real hassle. Also the pass. side head at the rear is very close. I am going to install the new motor with heads off for fear of crunching the firewall.