The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Need carb advice....

I know this topic comes up a lot and I've read a bunch of info about various carbs and opinions but still can't decide. Currently my 52' 3100 216 is a nice weather local driver, so it sits a lot during cold winters and hot summers. My problem is that my leaky Rochester B 1 bbl (which I rebuilt back when I was trying to get the 216 running) has been affected by the 10% ethanol gas(accelerator pump not working due to material breaking down) and the carb has always had a "wet" look to it. I've heard more bad things about these carbs then good, so I'm interested in a better replacement. My current 216 will be swapped for a 56 235 with split headers out of a car and comes with a Rochester also. I've researched the Carter YF 2100s which sounds like a good replacement for the leakchester, but what about Ethanol? The only Ethanol free gas locally is the high octane which is a bit more expensive. I've considered the Weber 32/36 2 bbl from Langdons, but not much has been said about it. Vintage Auto Parts Inc. sells a new Carter YF or a rebuilt one. Will I need to rebuild any carb yearly because of the lack of driving? I will stay away from the 10% Ethanol from now on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

it isn't the ethanol, I have been running it in my truck and mustang for over ten years with no problems, as are most of the people on this forum, mostly because that is all you can really get, without a bunch of extra driving. I have used up until this weekend the same Rochester carb for 30 years, I rebuilt it once I think, maybe twice, but the kit I got has a leather accelerator pump (at least it looks like leather, I never tasted it) They used them by the millions over the years. just go ahead and try the one on the 235, (they are bigger than the 216) There is a pretty good chance it will work fine.

oldchevytrucks,

Do you have a fuel filter? Where is it located and what type of filter?

The ethanol is not what is causing the leaks; Rochester B's are quite capable of leaking any fluid which is placed in them

The ethanol WILL cause a neopreme accelerator pump to become hard and fail on vehicles engines which are only started occasionally.

Leather accelerator pumps (used before "buy it at the lowest cost at all cost became a fixture in this country") are impervious to the ethanol.

How often you will be required to replace a faulty accelerator pump depends on the pump material and how often you start the vehicle.

Jon.

I am a cater YF fan. The problem I have right now is finding a reasonable model 966S (as shown in carb kings list from several years ago) to rebuild for a 235 rebuild project. It seems they are quite popular. The new ones/rebuilds look to be in the $300 range. If you can afford it, go with a YF.

Mike - I found a Carter YF 966S on Ebay 2 years ago for $45. It looked like hell but after cleaning and rebuilding it runs great on my 235. Now I can enjoy driving my truck after removing the old leaky Rochester B. Keep looking and you'll find one. Good luck.

tclederman,

I have a basic clear inline fuel filter I picked up at a local parts store installed just before the carb.

I don't mind spending a little extra money on a new carb if it is the last carb I'll ever buy for the 235. It seems that with used carbs on ebay, some parts might be missing where as a new carb would be complete and wouldn't need a rebuild for awhile. I'll need to inspect the Rochester that is coming with the 235 and see if it's worth rebuilding first, then decide from there. I was hoping the Weber 32/36 2 bbl would be an easy upgrade, but seems nobody really uses them on the 235s.

oldchevytrucks,

What about a GMC Zenith from a 228 or a 248?