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My '55 Firedome with two-barrel carb has been giving me issues lately. I've noticed raw fuel dripping from the carburetor onto the intake manifold and the situation is getting worse. It's hard starting, rough idling and prone to stalling. A neighbor with an old truck suggests the float is sticking. Wondering what some of you with more mechanical knowledge think? Assuming the problem is with the carburetor, I'm going to pull the carb this weekend and send to Tim Bower's carburetor specialist in Kansas.
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
Mark
It might be that the float is not floating.
Had a 4 bbl rochester giving me fits one time dumping raw gas into the intake when it was running (and after) and after repeated tear-downs and head scratching, a friend that had come by to offer advice held the float assembly on his finger and it teeter-tottered off to one side. One of the floats was leaking, and was partially filled with gas, causing the needle valve to stay open.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
H Mark, I agree with Tim and would check that first. It is hard to tell sometimes because the float might not feel heavy but it doesn't take much.
This is a do-it-yerself job if you are up to it. Or DITYIYAUTI if you prefer. If it isn't the float I'd suspect a bad or sticky needle.
Have a nice day
Steve
Thanks for all the feedback. You have confirmed my suspicions of a bad float or other carburetor problem. Steve...DIY for me on this job will consist of removing the carburetor and sending it to The Carb Shop in Salina, KS (per Tim's recommendation). Being able to R & R the carb will be a moral victory for me given my rather thin mechanical skills.
Mark
P.S. What is "DITYIYAUTI"?
do-it-yerself-if-you-are-up-to-it
My '55 Firedome with a two-barrel carb has been giving me issues lately. I've noticed raw fuel dripping from the carburetor onto the intake manifold and the situation is getting worse. It's hard starting, rough idling and prone to stalling. A neighbor with an old truck suggests the float is sticking. Wondering what some of you with more mechanical knowledge think? Assuming the problem is with the carburetor, I'm going to pull the carb this weekend and send to Tim Bower's carburetor specialist in Kansas.
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
Mark
13 Oct 2023
What is your carburetor issuing?
Contrary to recent years' nitwitery, ISSUE is not a replacement for PROBLEM.
Yes, it's likely a float/needle & seat problem. If you dare take the carb. apart, clean the needle & seat valve. Also, the float level might need adjusting.
I also am having trouble with my '55 Fireflite's carburetor. I found a shop in Cal. which rebuilds them. Here is their info.–––
Carburetor Center cx3207@gmail.com
Reply
Thank You
DownDraft Dan
CarburetorCenter.com
Richard Stuart Otto, Otto's Electrical Service, Inc.
6315 Old Dominion Drive,
McLean, Va. 22101-4715
telephone: 703-933-7000
website: OTTOSELECTRICAL.COM
email: richard@ottoselectrical.com
