carburator rebuild

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Aug 25, 2007 | 05:24 PM

projectdagger

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Fort Bragg

carburator rebuild

i have a 79 f-250 with a 460 engine. The carburator is a Holley 4 barrel. the truck runs fine once it gets up and moving. But when it is warm, the truck will turn over 4 maybe 5 times before it starts. What has me puzzled, is when the truck is parked on level ground over slight point uphill. It would turn over a bunch of times. But park it facing down it, and it would start up right away. Every once in a while, it would spit and sputter a couple of times. It idles a little rough.. The fuel pump is new, the truck did the same thing with the old fuel pump. The filters are clean. i am almost starting to suspect the carburator itself may need to be rebuilt.
My question is How hard is it to rebuild a carburator?
many thanks.. i hope you can help

Last edited by projectdagger; Aug 25, 2007 at 05:28 PM.

Aug 27, 2007 | 11:13 PM

fmc400

MSEE

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 10,386

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From: Austin, TX

It's not all that hard. The more comfortable you are with small parts, the better. The kit should come with a blow-up diagram for your carb, and it will be numbered in a logical way to suggest what order everything goes back together in. You'll need a gallon can of Chem Dip, a couple cans of spray carb cleaner, a rebuild kit, a carb to manifold gasket or carb to spacer\spacer to manifold gasket set (the ones in the kit sometimes won't work), and a new fuel filter. It helps if you have a second vehicle or a buddy because you almost always need to make an extra trip to the parts store. Don't get any of the chemicals on your hands and take your time. Good luck!

Aug 28, 2007 | 02:17 AM

desertdave55

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Sounds like the float level is set too low. Do all Holley's have the external float adjustment, or just the aftermarket ones?

I'd recommend checking that before doing anything else. Any idea what model Holley you have?

Last edited by desertdave55; Aug 28, 2007 at 02:25 AM.

Aug 28, 2007 | 03:52 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

1973/79 F100/350's with a 460 engine came standard with a Holley 4V. There are several different types, this has to do with emissions.

Aug 28, 2007 | 11:11 AM

Beechkid

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Southern California

A quick recommendation- only use a Holley rebuild kit! Most of the rebuild kits are "generic" even though they may be marked for "Holley", the parts do not completely match the carbs and can cause problems- as if you never rebuilt it. Purchase a rebuild kit from either a carb rebuilding shop (they will actually assemble a kit for you) or purchase from a reputable performance shop.

Aug 28, 2007 | 05:44 PM

projectdagger

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From: Fort Bragg

thank you for letting me know. If the float level for the secondaries is not correct. Would that cause the same problems?

Last edited by projectdagger; Aug 28, 2007 at 05:47 PM.

Aug 30, 2007 | 02:08 AM

desertdave55

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Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdagger

If the float level for the secondaries is not correct. Would that cause the same problems?

The front bowl assembly will be the one feeding your idle circuit and primaries, while the rear bowl will be feeding fuel to the secondaries at speed when you stomp on it. I still think you need to get this carb dialed-in/adjusted before you even attempt to tear it apart for a rebuild. Just my two-cents worth!