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I have a Carter W-1 that probably needs a rebuild. I’ve considered swapping carbs on my ‘50 model 216 because I’m tired of fooling around with the two junk ‘50-‘51 Rochesters that I have on hand. The last patent number I see is 2184354. Any info on what year/model this is, and would it be worth the cost and effort to swap. For familiarity sake I would rather have the ‘52-‘53 Rochester. But I would consider going with the recommendations of those who are more familiar with these old carbs.

Hi Rusty,
For reasons entirely unknown and not in any way logical to me owners of 216s seem content with Rochesters. I nearly had to give away the last Carter YF I had for the 216 and it was in like new condition. I always thought the YF 964s (man choke) or YF 965s (auto choke) were nice ones for the 216. Some folks like the W-1 models, but I gravitate toward the YF models since I know them better. If you need a kit for the W-1, please contact the other Jon (carbking). I've posted solutions to most of the Rochester problems, but even in best condition the fundamental design flaws make it a less desirable choice in my opinion. Good luck!

Technologically, the YF is slightly superior to the W-1; however the W-1 uses a leather (totally impervious to ethanol) accelerator pump whereas the YF uses a neoprene diaphragm.

Either (opinion) are VASTLY to the Rochester B of any year.

This link may help you identify the W-1, if not give me a call 573-392-7378 (9-12, 1-4 Mon-Tues central time AFTER the first of the year). For the first time in almost two years, I am enjoying family in person.

Carter Chevrolet W-1 carburetors

Jon.

For my own education, are there any YF rebuild kits sold today with diaphragms that will last just as long as leather, in Ethanol gasoline?
Today's kits say "Ethanol resistant" but are there any "Ethanol proof" kits?

Thanks for the tutorial Jon. Referencing the photos I believe that my Carter is a 1941 model. The vehicle that it was with in the trunk was a 1940. The bowl cover has the numbers 146-114. Does this shed any light on exact year model. The rebuild kits that I’m looking at indicate that there are different ones for 1940 and older and 1941-‘48. I want to get the right one.

I'm not aware of any diaphragms that will last as long as leather. However there was a fellow on eBay selling an orange diaphragm touted to be very ethanol resistant. His name is Burchfield...seems like a good guy, but today is not selling those. Just the black rubber ones. I first bought one of these 3 or 4 years ago and was testing it...when I sold the carburetor it was installed in. So I bought more of them and have been using them since. The one I have in my YF3211S is currently going into the 3rd year of testing with no problems. And I should tell you I've let the carburetor dry completely out 4 or 5 times since I started testing it. The problem with the black rubber diaphragms is they last ok as long as you keep them wet with fuel. If you let them dry out, then they deteriorate much faster...almost instantly it seems in some cases. I've discussed this with the other Jon, and the problem is lack of demand/cost. There are materials out there which would be ethanol proof, however you'd have to have somebody tool up to make those...and there aren't enough YF carburetors still in use to make that an attractive project.

Here is a link for repair kits for Chevrolet passenger carburetors:

Chevrolet passenger carburetor kits

Here is a link for repair kits for Chevrolet truck carburetors:

Chevrolet truck carburetor kits

As you can see, there are a few more than 2 different.

Jon.

Contact Tim Hewitt at Daytona Parts Company. He can give you the straight dope on ethanol resistant and ethanol proof carburetor parts. He has rebuilt virtually every carburetor on the vehicles in my care for the last 20 years.

Daytona sells rebuild kits for all carburetors as well as rebuilds them.

Tim is always happy to take the time to talk to you about your carb issue and help diagnose problems over the phone.

www.daytonaparts.com

386-427-7108