1904 Carb Issue

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Apr 2, 2022 | 07:35 PM

turnrjr

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 892

Likes: 85

From: Western Massachusetts

1904 Carb Issue

Today I backed the truck out of the garage to let it run a while. After about 20 minutes it started to stumble and stall. The RPMs were up a bit as I had set the throttle. I got to it before it stalled and saw gas leaking a lot all around the carb. I found that the float shaft had worked itself forward until the float was askew and could not close the needle valve. It pushed back in easily. I can't see anything that secures this shaft. Any ideas? It sure is scary as the gas drips near the exhaust manifold!
Thank you

Apr 3, 2022 | 02:39 AM

Indybeer

Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,125

Likes: 191

From: Wharton, PA

the pin on the spare 1904 carb I have is 1 9/16" long and will hit on the cover before it can migrate out far enough to effect the float.

Apr 3, 2022 | 05:50 AM

turnrjr

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 892

Likes: 85

From: Western Massachusetts

That would explain it Indy. I put a rebuild kit in it early on but don't remember if the pin was part of the kit. I tend to save things (to a fault). Will look. Surprised this hadn't happened sooner. The truck isn't on the road yet but I have put several gallons of gas through it here in the yard. Thank you.

Apr 3, 2022 | 05:22 PM

mOROTBREATH

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,486

Likes: 336

From: Bakersfield, CA

In my experience with at least a dozen rebuild kits and 4-5 Holley 1904/1960's is that the float pivot shaft is not to be replaced; you reuse your old one. Secondly, I have not had any issues with them migrating out far enough to cause any issue, nor does there appear to be any factory retainer to keep it from moving other than the bowl itself.

Apr 3, 2022 | 05:55 PM

turnrjr

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 892

Likes: 85

From: Western Massachusetts

Don't know how the short pin got in there. Must date back to a previous owner. Ordered one today from Mikes Carburetor. I'm surprised it is available. Also ordered a couple bowl gaskets.

Apr 5, 2022 | 08:42 AM

ReForder

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 1,462

Likes: 185

From: Dedham, MA

Rebuild kits for my 847 also did not come with a replacement pin and had to use my old one. And in that carb as well, the pin is held in by the carb casting so it cannot possibly walk out once it's assembled.

Apr 8, 2022 | 07:02 AM

turnrjr

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 892

Likes: 85

From: Western Massachusetts

Follow up.
Received the new float pivot pin yesterday from Mike's Carburetor. I was hoping to find it to be longer than mine but it is identical. I call Mike's and asked if they had access to a similar pin but longer. Very friendly guy on the phone. The answer was no but he suggested I get a piece of 1/8" brass welding rod and make one. It was one of those "why didn't I think that" moments. I had one and made a pin about 3/8" of an inch longer. Problem solved.