Proper setting for carb float?

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Feb 11, 2005 | 11:23 AM

Fat Fendered Ford

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 808

Likes: 2

From: east central Illinois

Proper setting for carb float?

I have a question about setting the position of the carb float in my one barrel Holley 1904. The rebuild kit includes a handy cardboard gauge that shows me when the float is in an acceptable (but wide) range of travel. My shop manual also shows a technique of using a float bowl with the top third or so cut off in order to see the float and fuel level. The manual pictures a couple of special tools that are needed for that type of adjustment. In particular, it shows a gauge that indicates the proper fuel level by use of a couple of pointers that hang down into the bowl. I don't have this special tool and the manual doesn't provide a measurement. How far from the top of the bowl should the fuel level and/or float be? Is there a rather wide margin of error that will still provide adequate performance? I'm using a foam float as opposed to a brass float if it makes any difference.

Missed out on a '55 F-100 that was in the local Thrifty Nickel yesterday. The seller wanted $600 and said it was in good shape. Sure would have liked to seen it for myself.

Thanks!

Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100

Feb 11, 2005 | 02:45 PM

jvmcc

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 823

Likes: 4

From: Calais, Vermont

I've got two of those little carburetors, but one is new to me and the other I rebuilt so long ago that I don't remember a thing about the experience. But both have this in common: when the valve is closed so that no gas enters the carb, the float is almost but not quite horizontal (level with the top edge of the float bowl chamber). In the other direction, when the bowl is completely dry, the float contacts the bottom of the float chamber. It's not very scientific. I remember using that spacer tool you're talking about. I'm hoping that in the next few weks I'm using one again, when I rebuild my own.

The shop manual instructions are pretty elaborate, requiring that special cut-open-float-bowl tool. It seems a little extreme to go to those lengths to get an exact height for the level of a liquid when the whole thing is for naught as soon as the vehical is sitting anywhere except completely flat and completely still.

Feb 12, 2005 | 06:44 PM

StarFox

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 346

Likes: 0

From: Raleigh, NC

Kevin,

I just finished rebuilding my Holly 1904, but have not put it back into the truck yet so I don't know if I did it correctly or not. The rebuild kit I have states that for a Ford 6-cylinder (215 - 223) the measurement should be 9/32". The directions also state the following: "With the carburetor inverted, measure from inside surface of bowl to top of float at toe end." (Toe end being the end away from the tang) "With carburetor inverted, and the float level adjusted, the tang should just clear the float bumper spring."

Hope this helps.

Dana