flat head question

[flattiefreak]

Thanks for the replies. I do have a vacuum gauge, but there are no timing marks on the pulley. I like the idea of timing with a vacuum gauge. I will do the previously mentioned steps and report what happens.

[greg g]

When you get it running to your satisfaction you should add your own reference mark to the pully.

[flattiefreak]

Good point about marking the pulley. I hooked up the vacuum gauge and got the timing a little bit more advanced.. I was getting a 18 now. The car idles great. I am getting a local guy to rebuild the carb though. Thanks for all the help.

[claybill]

flattie.....2 things i recommend..regardless of current needs and problems.

1...go to NAPA and get a rebuild kit for $17

2...go to a swap meet or even ebay and look for a beater carb ....for10-15 bucks..use it as a guinea pig to learn on..these old carbs are simple!

i would not change jetting as formerly recommended. for 20 years aLL THE PLYMOUTHS used same or similar variation OF THAT CARB, all using the same jetting...there is another reason..search for it. after the rebuild it might clear up (float level?)

bill

[flattiefreak]

I will try the rebuild myself. You have me feeling confident after the last post. I will give it a shot and see how it turns out. I may just surprise myself.

[greg g]

Go here, enlarge the manual

http://oldcarmanualproject.com/manuals/Carbs/Carter/BB-downdraft/1939up/index.htm

[flattiefreak]

thanks for the link. I just ordered the kit from NAPA online.. Should be getting it in a few days.

[Joe Flanagan]

It's easy. My kit came with instructions. Don C. mentioned in an earlier thread using a magnetic sheet to keep small parts on. You might want to try that here. I think some pieces of the kit are brass and this may or may not work, but in any case, make sure you don't lose anything. Put everything in a bag or a small box or something. Also, I wouldn't take it all apart at once. You might want to replace piece by piece so you don't lose track of what goes where.

[greg g]

The manual in the link is for a complete remanufacture and contains steps not supported by a basic rebuild kit. So usually it is not necessary to remove the aluminum plugs or the jets, as they are not usually icluded in a basic kit. You are looking at fresh gaskets, the acc pump check balls (different sized so note their posttion) the Accpump soak the leather part in light oil before installing. the rest is just cleaning and blowing out the passages. Also check the float by shaking it after the ivot pin is removed. If you hear any sloshing inside, it might leak.

[flattiefreak]

I know someone mentioned shooting compressed air into the passeages, but what is good for soaking the carb in to clean it? Would something like purple power work?

[greg g]

Just grab a can of carb or throttle body cleaner, they usually come in a spray with little red blater tube.

[Joe Flanagan]

Two pieces you will lose if you so much as look sideways at them:

The pivot pin for the float and the retainer pin that holds the pivot pin in place.

The manual also says never to run wire or anything similar through the passageways. Use compressed air.

[Joe Flanagan]

Carb cleaner with the skinny red tube is great because you can shoot the stuff through the passages and see if they're really clear. Also gives you a good picture of what leads to where.

[flattiefreak]

While carefully taking the carb apart and taking reference pics, I noticed something as I was removing the needle and float. The BB that was below the float fell out. Luckily I caught it, but my question is, is the BB supposed to be loose enough to fall out of the hole?

[greg g]

It is supposed to be behind a clip or a brass retainer, they do have a tendency to get lost.

[Young Ed]

If all you removed was the needle and seat and the float your BB wasnt in the correct spot. The big one goes under a clip under the accelerator pump and the little one goes under the stepup assembly.

[oldodge41]

A word on safety. Always wear eye protection when blowing out the passages with carb cleaner or compressed air. It won't always come out where you expect it to. That stuff in your eyes will ruin you day..............Tim

[flattiefreak]

How do i remove the clip under the accel. pump?

[greg g]

I usually don't unless the ball looks way bad. Put some of your solvent in there and let it soak. If you feel you need to change the ball, the clip will pry out with a tool with a hook on it. Then once it is free it will scurry silently to the deepest darkest part of you shop garage.

Edited March 25, 2011 by greg g

[Joe Flanagan]

Had to laugh out loud at that, Greg.

[greg g]

You know from where I speak, yes?????

[Joe Flanagan]

I've watched them scurry like the dickens. Chased by blue language.

[flattiefreak]

I have another dumb question. Where does the little BB go? I know under the step up assembly, but is it just stuck in a hole or is it under a screw?

[greg g]

dincha look at the manual?????

32 and 33

[flattiefreak]

yes I did, but the inside of mine doesnt look like that. I figured it out though.

thanks