The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Differences in Fleet Model Carter W-1 Carbs?

Hi!

I've been looking for a Carter W-1 574s or 483s to replace my 684s, as it's difficult to find parts for the thing, and they're spendy when you do.

There's a 492s up on ebay right now, and I was wondering what the differences are.

The Carburetor Shop's W-1 Page lists the 492s as a "Fleet Vehicle" carburetor. What does this mean, and what does that mean for me?

Thanks in advance,

Brendan

The fleet carbs were for use basically with NYC taxis. Small main venturi, and restricted throttle shaft to limit RPM, and also to improve fuel economy (town only). Use it at highway speed, and burn up the engine.

Jon.

Jon,

I have always scoffed at the "burn up the engine" theory. If the carburetor arbitrarily mixes about 15:1 air/fuel, how could it suddenly become lean and burn anything up.

If the carburetor "leaned out", wouldn't the engine just slow down or stop running..sort of like screwing in an idle adjustment.

Is it time for me to reevaluate my "scoffing" on this subject!

Stuart

Stuart - an analogy would be a distance runner trying to run a marathon in a coat and tie, with the tie cinched up about 2 inches too tight!

The engine will labor, and run hot. Over some period of time the hot running will eventually kit the engine.

Brendan - the "fleet" carbs are extremely rare; but unless you plan to open a carburetor museum or are doing a numbers matching restoration on a taxi, best left alone. In 37 years of selling carbs, I can count the INQUIRIES for fleet carbs on the toes of my left hand! We have sold one rebuilding kit for a fleet carb about 10 years ago.

Most of the fleet carbs were painted a different color (most were brown or gray) so they would not be used inadvertantly.

Maybe another use would be a 6x1 set-up! :crazy:

Jon.

So, definitely NOT what I'm looking for, then.

Thanks for the info gents.

Jon, I may be contacting you later on.