39 LaSalle - WDO Rebuild Service Recommendation

[LaSalle39]

Hi All: Long Time Cad and LaSalle owner.  I am pretty good at carb rebuilding myself... but this WDO and my attempts to rebuild it (well.. take apart, clean, put back together using same parts that look in quite good condition) has been showing me no love at all. Ugggg.

So.. much as I hate to... I have decided that someone that really knows these WDO's should rebuild it.

I tried search on the site.. but not getting any results.

Can anyone recommend a well known and tested WDO carb rebuilder ? I don't need the 'restoration', replating, etc. The carb looks quite nice as is. Just want a quality rebuild.

Any suggestions ?  If in the MA area even the better.

Thanks so much

Jim

[35-709]

In Florida, but recommended many times here ---
https://daytonaparts.com/ 

[harry s]

Larry Isgrow on Long Island does a good job on that carb. Pretty quick turnaround.  Harry

[LaSalle5019]

I bought a carb kit from Jon Hargrove.
https://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Carbshop_kits.htm

And have the metering rod gauges and a couple of tools if you want to borrow them.
Scott

[LaSalle39]

Hi All;:  Thanks all for these tips ! I will follow up tomorrow during the day with some phone calls.

harry s;  I found this # for Larry's via a web search... (516) 783-1041 I'll try calling it. No website that I found.

LaSalle5019;  Thanks so much for that offer of the tools. I tried doing a cleaning myself and reassemble using the old parts... simply putting all back as it came apart. Cleaned it so many times it has to be clear of any obstructions. Paid real close attention to passageways, etc. Used a thin wire through orifices, etc.  It had the classic symptom of running worse and worse over a year+... fuel starved under moderate load. Know it well from my other classics. Fuel pressure good, it has a 6v elec fuel pump.  But having no video on how to rebuild these WDO's and scant written info, I am thinking trying again may be more wasted time to try myself after I buy a kit. Like maybe there is a o-ring that had deteriorated and is missing so I am just putting it back together with the same issue... not knowing enough about these carbs. I did come across an 'carb kit' exploded view of the WDO on-line, but the image not doing any justice at a detail level. Hard to make out the actual order of things. But it is clearly fuel starved.  Yes... percolation is an issue (who doesn't have it on these era Cads and LaSalles), but even with the engine cool it still bogs / fuel starves under a load.. driving up a hill for example. Without a rod gauge on the last attempt I did raise the metering rods a bit in hopes to let more fuel flow, but no avail. I saw some lit on how to adjust w/o the benefit of the tool. It has been a few months, but as I recall to line up the scribe / recess circumference line on the metering rods with the top of the metering rod bore as I recall.

[KenZ]

A few years back I had my Stromberg rebuilt by the Old Carb Doctor in North Carolina.  He is very knowledgeable and willing to discuss your carb issues.  May take awhile and of course not cheap but results were positive.  Good Luck!     

[Jay Friedman]

I agree with Harry's recommendation of Larry Isgro.  He has a rebuilt several carbs for me to my total satisfaction. 

[LaSalle39]

Hi All:  Just an update and again a 'thanks' to all whom replied. I spoke with Larry I on the phone earlier this week and have sent off to him the WDO from my 39 LaSalle. I'll keep all posted on how it all works out. In the meantime I'll dig up and share some pics of my 64 Eldo and the 39 LaSalle.  Thanks !  Jim