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#1330571 10/20/2019 11:06 PM
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Trying to dial in my 1957 rebuilt 235 installed in my 37 1/2 ton. Checked timing and is on the timing mark. Compression test is around 140 on all cylinders. No vacume leaks and holds around 12 lbs until back fire in carb. Have 2 carbs and both seem to do the same thing. If you hold hand over intake on carb with air cleaner removed seems to run better and less back fire in carb.
Going to remove valve cover and check clearance on valves tomorrow. Looking for any thoughts about my issue. Thanks for any help you can give me. Bill


1937 GC
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It could be a sticky intake valve.

It could be one of your carburetors is dumping raw fuel into the intake and then into a cylinder or two, causing a delay in combustion, whereas combustion is occurring while an intake valve is open.
Disable one of the carburetors and see how it runs. If it runs the same or worse, disable the other carburetor (enabling the first carburetor, of course) and see how it runs.
You could make a carburetor base gasket without a center hole in it for this test.
Carl

Last edited by 52Carl; 10/20/2019 11:34 PM.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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Start here. Rochester’s can be a bit of a pain to set up.

http://www.inliners.org/tech/tech4.html

Carter YF carbs are a better choice if you want dual 1bbls. A pair of 1974 Ford pinto Weber progressive 2 bbls are even better.

Last edited by Dragsix; 10/20/2019 11:44 PM.

Mike
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Maybe I stated that wrong. I only have 1 carb on engine but have a extra carb that I tried. Both have some back fire so that is why I think it is not the carb. Bill


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I misunderstood.


Mike
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Improper valve adjustment (valves too tight) is a cause of pop back through the carb. If it is a solid lifter cam set intakes to no tighter than .006 and exhausts .016. Hydraulic lifters go 1 turn past zero lash.

Last edited by sstock; 10/21/2019 2:06 PM.

1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
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It has hydraulic lifters

Last edited by Bill Trotter; 10/21/2019 2:03 AM.

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How were they adjusted initially?


Mike
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Bill, with hydraulics, I take up all the clearance by spinning the push rod between the thumb and forefinger, then when the push rod ceases to spin go only 1 turn further. Assuming you have the crank in the proper position for adjusting said valves and the lifters pumped up.. Point is, intake valves that fail to close all the way will cause the popping back through the carb. It would be considered to be one of the first things to check after assembling one's engine.

Last edited by sstock; 10/21/2019 2:11 PM.

1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 298
B
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 298
Drag6, were those pics for me? As per your Pryor question, the valves were done after assembly and Pryor to running the engine.


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No. Wrong string. I think I am with the others. Readjust the valves first. Then double check your timing, then readjust the carb. Doing those three things costs nothing more then some time and eliminates a bit of low hanging fruit. Next, check for vacuum leaks, including at the vacuum advance. Make sure the vacuum advance is actually working. If not, it may have a ruptured diaphragm and will need replacing.


Mike
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OK, now its clear that you only have one carburetor (my mistake, not yours).
If we adopt my mantra of "Its never the carburetor", then its time check everything else besides the carburetor.
It could be as simple as one lifter is set too tight, preventing a valve to close.
I would start by removing one spark plug at a time while the engine is running. You will find the offending cylinder when the removal of its spark plug causes the backfire to stop.
If you introduce air at the spark plug hole of the offending cylinder while both valves are closed, you will be able to hear air escaping through the carburetor if the intake valve is set too tight.
Remove the valve cover and see if backing off the rocker arm screw stops the air leak through the carburetor.


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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Posts: 298
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Will be checking valves one day this week and will post what I find. As per vacuum advance it is working and have checked for leaks and found none. Thanks for your help. Bill


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Checking valves tomorrow night and have been thinking about my back fire in carb issue. It is a 57 235 with a 54 flywheel so it matched up to my stomp starter. Could I have install the flywheel wrong? I seem to remember that it would only fit one way. Is that correct? Maybe I am over thinking this!!! Thanks for any help
Bill

Last edited by Bill Trotter; 10/24/2019 1:24 AM.

1937 GC
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One way only on the flywheel


1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 298
B
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 298
It's been 1 1/2 year since I put it together so could not remember for sure. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. Bill


1937 GC

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