how often does carb need rebuilt?
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Virginia Beach
how often does carb need rebuilt?
I had the original 2-v carb for my 78 F-150, 351M 4x4, C-6 rebuilt about 8 years ago by Pony Carbs. They did a great job at the time, but the truck is now running a little rough and is a little hard starting.
I've seen some places online say that regularly used carbs need rebuilt every couple years.
I contacted Pony Carbs, and they said I most likely just need the timing and choke adjusted.
I adjusted the timing using Pony Carbs's "maxium vacuum" method, trying to be a little bit more scientific than just the "advance by ear it until it pings" method, and the engine was pulling about 20 in Hg at warm idle based on my mityvac vacuum gauge.
I then tried to adjust the carb, but the choke cap swung about 90 degrees either direction without really having much effect on the choke, and even then, the choke didn't seem to really stay in one place, ie, I could adjust the cap to where the choke was at 1/8", but then I'd tighten the cap and use my finger to open the choke and let it spring shut, but it wouldn't spring shut back to 1/8".
I think it is time for another rebuild, and since the truck is a daily driver that I count on, I'm open to spending the money to have Pony Carbs do the rebuild again for me.
FYI, here is the questions and answers I got from Pony Carbs...
Is it true that you should have a daily driver's carb rebuilt annually?
No, you only need to have the carb rebuilt if it gets dirt inside, runs bad or leaks.
If not, what is the time period that you recommend for your carbs to be rebuilt? Our carbs can run forever assuming you don't get dirt inside or the gaskets fail over time.
How is that time period affected by upgrading to the concours plating over the standard rebuild? The plating protects the steel pieces from rust and corrosion. If you live in an area that rust is a problem, then it will keep the carburetor running longer.
Any suggestions?
I've seen some places online say that regularly used carbs need rebuilt every couple years.
I contacted Pony Carbs, and they said I most likely just need the timing and choke adjusted.
I adjusted the timing using Pony Carbs's "maxium vacuum" method, trying to be a little bit more scientific than just the "advance by ear it until it pings" method, and the engine was pulling about 20 in Hg at warm idle based on my mityvac vacuum gauge.
I then tried to adjust the carb, but the choke cap swung about 90 degrees either direction without really having much effect on the choke, and even then, the choke didn't seem to really stay in one place, ie, I could adjust the cap to where the choke was at 1/8", but then I'd tighten the cap and use my finger to open the choke and let it spring shut, but it wouldn't spring shut back to 1/8".
I think it is time for another rebuild, and since the truck is a daily driver that I count on, I'm open to spending the money to have Pony Carbs do the rebuild again for me.
FYI, here is the questions and answers I got from Pony Carbs...
Is it true that you should have a daily driver's carb rebuilt annually?
No, you only need to have the carb rebuilt if it gets dirt inside, runs bad or leaks.
If not, what is the time period that you recommend for your carbs to be rebuilt? Our carbs can run forever assuming you don't get dirt inside or the gaskets fail over time.
How is that time period affected by upgrading to the concours plating over the standard rebuild? The plating protects the steel pieces from rust and corrosion. If you live in an area that rust is a problem, then it will keep the carburetor running longer.
Any suggestions?
