Carb leak/replacement
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Carb leak/replacement
I have a carb that's leaking gas from underneath. Took it into shop, guy said it was cracked and put some type of glue on it that had to set, and said it might work. It didn't.
Should I just replace the carb? If so, how much should I spend on a basic "make it run" carb? Also, is replacement much trouble?
Should I just replace the carb? If so, how much should I spend on a basic "make it run" carb? Also, is replacement much trouble?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Replace the carb. FWIW: Motorcraft ones do not crack often, though they can leak.
About $120 at Autozone (pay cash) or about $150 mail order for a nice rebuild.
Holley makes a nice NEW 2 bbl replacement for under $300 (?).
About $120 at Autozone (pay cash) or about $150 mail order for a nice rebuild.
Holley makes a nice NEW 2 bbl replacement for under $300 (?).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
That's wierd - never had a cracked carb. Anyhow, if the carb body really is cracked, I guess you need another. You can buy a rebuilt from an auto store for $125 or so (just bolt it on and drive away)or you could pick one up at a wrecking yard and rebuild it. If you have never rebuilt a carb try and get someone to give you a hand that has done so. It's not really hard but it is a bit intimidating on the first go round.
jor
jor
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I would not trust someone earning $8-$12 an hour at Midas to rebuild a carb and I doubt if they did. If it does have a crack, it most likely is from tightening something down too tight, many times the fuel filter or they crack an ear on the carb plate.
If you buy a good rebuilt, it is almost bolt on. Chnage the gaskets and pop teh new carb on and it should run. It might need to be tweaked though.
I would suggest you changing all your plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points. Then once the truck is still running okay, but, leaking gas, then put the rebuilt carb on.
To tune it all you will need is a vacuum guage and dwell meter. A Chilton's manual can easily walk you through this and you will not be at the mercy of Midas again and you will save money.
If you buy a good rebuilt, it is almost bolt on. Chnage the gaskets and pop teh new carb on and it should run. It might need to be tweaked though.
I would suggest you changing all your plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points. Then once the truck is still running okay, but, leaking gas, then put the rebuilt carb on.
To tune it all you will need is a vacuum guage and dwell meter. A Chilton's manual can easily walk you through this and you will not be at the mercy of Midas again and you will save money.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
"supposedly rebuilt at Midas, and they noticed the "crack" later."
That's the biggest reason I hate bringing in my vehicles to a shop! However, there's just some things that have to be done at a shop. I brought in my truck for an alignment once and when I went to pick it up, there was a big dent in the door! Another place did an alignment on my car and broke the adjusting cam "cup" that was welded to the frame. The part that I hate thinking about is that I paid somebody to mess up my vehicle!
One time, a friend brought his car in to have the carb worked on. They fixed it and he drove home. About a week later when he went to check the oil, his air cleaner assembly was missing. He went back to the shop and they said they were wondering where that air cleaner assembly came from!
That's the biggest reason I hate bringing in my vehicles to a shop! However, there's just some things that have to be done at a shop. I brought in my truck for an alignment once and when I went to pick it up, there was a big dent in the door! Another place did an alignment on my car and broke the adjusting cam "cup" that was welded to the frame. The part that I hate thinking about is that I paid somebody to mess up my vehicle!
One time, a friend brought his car in to have the carb worked on. They fixed it and he drove home. About a week later when he went to check the oil, his air cleaner assembly was missing. He went back to the shop and they said they were wondering where that air cleaner assembly came from!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
A few replies back, someone said "buy a rebuilt, bolt it on, and drive away."
I am getting a rebuilt this weekend. When you say "bolt in on", what else needs to be done?
Is it easy to do?
I am getting a rebuilt this weekend. When you say "bolt in on", what else needs to be done?
Is it easy to do?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Solano County
I would have Midas buy you a new carb since that crack wasn't there before they did the work. The should be liable for stuff like that. Plus you can't glue a carb. Go raise hell at Midas till you get a new carb or at least they fix the problem they probably caused by putting you carb in a vice or something.
Trust no one
Trust no one