carburetor help needed
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
carburetor help needed
Mt truck has a 215ci I6 with a Holley 1904 carburetor. My engine started and ran flawlessly until the float started leaking. Since the float was replaced, there have been issues. The engine still starts, but will not idle. After start up, the engine needs pretty close to half choke to keep running, and it runs fast. Easing off the choke after warm-up reduces the rpm's, but the engine kills well before idle speed is reached. There seems to be plenty of gas in the carburetor bowl. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Jim
Deerbrook, WI
Jim
Deerbrook, WI
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
My truck was last licensed in 1967 and hadn't been started in maybe 20 years when I inherited it in 2012. At that time, the carb was rebuilt, and the engine has been started and run periodically ever since--not really driven though except once to a muffler shop maybe 5 miles down the road. Only the float was changed recently. With the new float, I'm thinking the level of gas in the bowl is a little higher than it had been.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Measure fuel pump output - typically 1 pint in 30 seconds. Important. If pump is old replace it. If pump flow is OK set float level to spec. Finally adjust idle mixture and idle RPM. A vacuum gauge is real helpful.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
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From: Houston
Adjust the float so that the fuel level while idling is even with the top of the square feature in the middle of the glass bowl. This thread shows the proper level: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...start-ups.html
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
I'm guessing he doesn't have a glass bowl? You absolutely need to reset the float level after changing the float.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
Actually, I do have a glass bowl, and in fact, just broke it. I took the carb apart thinking some dirt might have lodged in the jet during the float replacement. The gasket was a little deformed and I was a little too aggressive trying to stop a leak--and the glass broke. I got lucky though and found a replacement at a local scrapyard. I'll be sure to check the level of the gas in the bowl when the new gaskets I have on order arrive. I'll also check the vacuum. The fuel pump is new and had been working fine. Thanks for the suggestions
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
38 Coup, I had a chance to check out your link, and I believe my new float is not adjusted properly. My gas level was near the top with the new float. My old float kept the gas at the correct level according to your link, Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Or some crap in the idle circuit of the carb causing a lean condition at idle. Replacing the float could have dislodged some crap that got into the idle circuit but my first guess would also be a vacuum leak causing a lean condition.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
Thanks for the additional thoughtful analysis. I know from the information that was shared that my float is not adjusted properly. The comments about a possible blockage or problems with vacuum also make sense. The carb bowl did seem to have some loose "crud" floating around in it. This being the case, do you think the carb needs to be completely taken apart and rehabbed like was done 3 years ago? So far, I just removed and cleaned the jet and blew a little air around the areas exposed by the bowl being removed. I didn't get a chance to see if a little light clean-up would make a difference, because the bowl broke as it was being re-installed. Monday I'll have a replacement bowl. I will adjust the float and see what happens. Thanks again for the suggestions.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 217
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Disassemble completely and use compressed air to blow out passages.
Also good idea to check the carb mounting surfaces for warpage.