The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carb losing fuel

I recently replaced my Rochester carb with a Carter and though it runs better, it quickly loses the fuel in the bowl while sitting. Within about 4 days, I have to crank the engine for 10 seconds or so before it refills and starts. I would expect this after a few weeks or so, but not a few days. I know some people have put electric fuel pumps in line so as to be able to prime the carb in these situations, but I am wondering if maybe there is something I can do to fix this issue. Engine 235,Carter 2100s.

Thanks, Lee.

My '53 with 235 and Stromberg BXVD-3 (originally a service replacement carb for the Rochester) does the same thing on E10 gas. It does better with ethanol-free gas, but I don't have any stations that carry it within about 20 miles of home (north of Dallas), so mostly running E10. Closest two for me are the Buc-Ee'S in Denton, off I35, and the one in Melissa, off US75.

I chalk it up to the higher evaporation rate of the E10. If I get annoyed enough (I guess I haven't yet), I will add an inline electric pump back by the tank.

Perhaps others more familiar than I with the Carter YFs may have some more specific thoughts.

A slightly extended crank after a few day sit, I wouldn't consider bad. It actually helps the oil to get moving to "dry" areas at a slower than running pace, under less harsh conditions. Might be a good thing in the long run. JMO. Im sure the experts will give you the answer you are looking for.

Assuming you are chocking it and the choke actually works. Assuming float is set properly. Assuming not parked on a steep hill.
You need to test as follows:
Start it after one day, then after two more days, then after three more days. To be sure what's going on before making more trouble. You need to know exactly how many days. Carbs do evaporate. You say 4, then you say a few days. So quantify it more carefully and time each test to be sure how many seconds.
It's basically and open air system. After testing, the answer may be "that's normal, start it more often or get an electric primer helper".

Check this link:

Fuel evaporation

Jon.

I’ll double check the float level; the location is always on my flat driveway; I don’t pull the choke full out on the Carter (I did with the Rochester) because it seems to not need it (when there is fuel in the bowl) and due to the high idle linkages being different than the other carb, the rpm goes real high when the choke is full out. And I know high rpm just after start is not good for any engine. I looked at the linkages for the high idle rpm to see how to readjust to lower the amount of throttle opening, but could not figure out which way to bend the arm.
I have not seen any non ethanol stations here in San Angelo, at least none that advertise it on their signs.
Lee

Maybe you could just try full choke until start, then push it back in, just to see if that is what it wants. You have to experiment with your starting procedure also. Pump pedal three times. Hold pedal down. Next time try five pumps, whatever. Try different things. It may just be you don't know how to start it after sitting.
If you have tried different things, let us know so we don't ramble on. Need to know history of this and your efforts so far.

I have to fill the float bowl every weekend to get my truck to start, I keep a little bottle of gas with a pointy tip, (was actually a medicine container for my cat) nearby and just squirt some down the vent, it works good, and doesn't flood the cylinders like squirting it down the throat of the carburetor.

I just reread the float setting procedures and re set the level. I might have misunderstood the procedure when I last set it as it was off by 5/32’s (set too low). After the work, it started just fine with about 1/2 choke, no pumping, and 1 day since last start. Thanks for all your help, I’ll see how it does next time and will update what I find.
To answer bartamos questions, I tried 1 pump yesterday, and it did not help. I have not tried pulling the choke all the way out. So far, I have just assumed it was a lack of fuel in the bowl and have just been cranking until it fired over (always ran fine after starting, and would easily restart that day). I was not keeping track of when I had last driven the truck until lately, that is how I knew it was 4 days, but have no exact data before that. Right now I have just been comparing the operating characteristics of this carb compared to the previous one, and I am trying to make sure that any errors I might have made in the overhaul or adjustments are not causing my problems. I will certainly change my technique as needed if it is just an issue with this model does that.
Now I just have to wait a week before trying again!

Lee.

I’m having the same problem with my ‘57 3200 with a rebuilt 350 topped off with a Carter 9635S. I installed a glass fuel filter and can see the the fuel drains back to the mechanical pump. After setting a day or more, I have to keep pumping it until it fires. I’ve read that some pumps have built-in check valves on the inlet and outlet sides, but apparently mine does not. Might be your problem also.