57 Carb Woes

[Coupedeville]

Hello Guys

I am wondering if anyone can identify a problem i have with my single Carter AFB carb.

It started whilst on a trip today. First sign was the engine started to run lumpy and the a strong smell of fuel.
I pulled over to check out the problem and found the carb was leaking fuel profusely.
The area it was leaking from is indicated in the attached picture. It looks like some sort of plunger/pump rod that is connected to the throttle linkage.
I have checked my 57 workshop manual but that only covers the Rochester and dual Carter.

As always your help is greatly appreciated

Joe Hunt

[quadfins]

That is the accelerator pump plunger. There is a leather gasket that is supposed to seal the plunger shaft in the bore. Likely, the seal is old/dried out/rotted and needs to be replaced. It may also be OK, but just has the equivalent of a "wedgie", and needs to be readjusted.

If it is shot, a carb rebuild kit should have a replacement. You will probably have to remove the carb to install it (carb experts - chime in here...), but that is not too bad of a job.

Jim

[R Schroeder]

If it were coming out of there while running, I would think you have a float problem. Float sank, or has a hole in it , if its brass. This would cause the gas to keep pumping into the carb.
If it came out while pumping it, then I would lean towards the pump.
Might be a good idea to rebuild it anyway. You wouldn't want a fire to break out under there.
Roy

I would also watch out using copper lines on gas lines. It can crystallize and break off with out warning . Copper is not very good when subjected to vibration.

[Glen]

I agree with Roy with one addition, a piece of debris maybe caught in the float valve.  Sometimes you can clear it by reving the engine to get the fuel level in the float chamber down a little.  This will open the valve and maybe wash it out. 

It’s worth a try. 

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I am third on the Needle Valve and Seat problem.

Doesn't take much for something to become stuck between the Needle Valve and Seat, and as the fluid level rises, the float is trying to "float" higher, and putting more pressure on retaining what is caught.

Definitely a case for stripping down.

Bruce.

[Coupedeville]

Thanks Guys

I appreciate your replies.

I will check the fuel pump before removing the carb.

Roy,

What would you reccomend as a replacement for copper, steel or rubber?

Thanks again

Joe Hunt

[R Schroeder]

Steel line if you can. Napa should be able to make something up.
Or use a couple of steel ends with gas line clamped on it.

[Dave Shepherd]

I'd pull the carb top off, invert it and see if you can blow thru the fuel inlet, if so, as mentioned, one of the needle and seats is not closing. ( or both)

[Coupedeville]

Hello Guys,

I'm going to have the carb rebuilt so i need a rebuild kit. I have read on the forum that some suppliers of these kits don't supply what would be termed a full kit.
Can anyone with experince of purchasing a rebuild kit be kind so kind as to offer advice as to which vendor supplies the best quality and fullest kit.

Many Thanks
Joe Hunt

[Caddy Wizard]

Carb Specialist in Missouri or Daytona Products are both good suppliers of kits.

[Coupedeville]

Thanks Art,

Joe Hunt