The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Leaking carb float

Well I got my Rochester single barrel carb apart for a rebuild. I had it soaked in degreaser to remove the varnish. Cleaned it up pretty good BUT some of the degreaser got into my float and I can hear it sloshing inside . I know thats not good if I were to use it like that.

Is there any way to repair that? I remember that my dad a few years ago rebuilt a carb w a leaking float as well and used a solder and a hot tip to fill in a pin hole. Has anyone used this procedure?
Thanx in advance!

Yes, you can solder the float, but you have to get the float dried out first. Then be very careful with the solder, or you will change the weight of the float. You could take the float apart if you want to, and dry it out. Then tin the seams with fresh solder and melt the solder to seal the seams without adding any solder during the process. Use a fairly low-wattage electric iron or you may destroy the float with too much heat. A 9- or 15-watt iron is probably too small, but a propane torch is too much.

Harvester

Thanx Harvester. I guess the PO tried to fix the float before because when I was cleaning it it had some hard grey stuff on it. Im thinking they tried to fix it with JB Weld?

Never thought about the iron though. I will give it a try. Thanx again

As Harvester said Make sure all of the degreaser is gone and dry before you try to solder. Depending on what you used it could leave a vapor that may not like the heat.

Cool.Thanx alot neilroy

Why not just buy a new one?

Carb or float? I would love to buy a new float if I could find a place to buy that sells them.
I had a hard time finding the carb kit as it is. None of the auto parts stores in town had it and we got like eight. I finally got it through a high school bud of mine that works at Oreillys

If it is a Rochester b try this. If not check the site for your carb.
http://www.carburetor.ca/carbs/floats/f31.htm

Whoa! Same exact float neilroy! Thanx! The float looks like a pair of old style head phones.And it is a Rochester B by the way.Thanx again

Got my 2 piece collar for my HEI dist thats going on the 235 now I need the float. Thanx to neilroy for the web link. After further inspection of my old float,I found some major pitting as if it was rusted.

I dont think the float would've worked if I would to solder all those pits. Ill get a new float and have better piece of mind.

Glad it helped. It's pretty cheep.

Yeah! only thing is that Ive never ordered parts outside of the U.S.How do they go about shipping?

The shipping cost is a little higher, the sender has to fill out a Customs form, and shipping takes a little longer since it has to go through US Customs, but that's it. I've gotten rifle parts out of Canada, you won't have any problems getting a carb float.

Cool. Thanx Bears63

As light and small as the float is it shouldn't be bad.

Ive got used ones laying around. I could send you one.
[email protected]

I think Im just going to get a new float and another kit.
I was looking at a service manual and Im missing a retainer that didnt come with the carb kit or from the insides of the carb when I took it apart.

Thanx for the offer though Wrenchbender. If I cant get a new float youll be the first Ill get ahold of!

Try Jim Carter I see they have a float for $11.00 www.oldchevytruck.com I have used them before with good results. I think they are having a sale right know too.
Jason

Cool.Thanx Helipackmech