Vehicle: 1978 F150 Custom, stock 300 w/ Carter YFA. non-EGR

So the truck has been running like crap for months and I figured it was time for a carb rebuild.

I took it apart and found two things. One, the pump housing has an ball-check valve that protrudes into the float bowl. There is a metal disk that is one top of this ball-check extension. This is the second time I have found the metal disk out of place in the bowl. The first time, I tried taping it in and stamping it with a punch in an attempt to keep it in place. That failed. This time I soldered it and the check valve is still operational. So we will see how that goes.

Second, the pump diaphragm was deteriorating and cracking bad. A problem with modern fuel, I know. Are there any solutions to this? Additives or go with a more modern carb that has "death-enol" resistant parts?

I am not wanting to replace the stock intake. (at least not at this time) Are the Weber 32/36/36 an option for a stock intake/stock carb replacement?

I am happy with the Carter because of its simplicity. I just don't like having to rebuild it every year due to modern fuels. Does anyone have some solutions? or advice? Thank you all!

The truck started right up after the rebuild, FYI. Ran puuuuurfect.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carter-YF-YFA-Methanol-Resistant-Diaphragm-Pump-Assembly-Fluoroelastomer-Reinfor/380367089862?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36866%26meid%3D7f194f06cbe24b93a1b8dfd5a5ee6906%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D7%26sd%3D380367089862

Found this. I may give it a try after this diaphragm gives up the ghost.