The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Another Carb Question...

First, let me say that I am a novice when it comes to engines (especially old truck engines) so my explanations may not be perfectly clear - so thank you for bearing with me.

I have a '54 Chevy 3600 with the original 235 engine in it that does not start. It does turn over and has a new battery. I had a friend look at it and we confirmed that indeed fuel is making it to carb. He thinks the carb may need to be replaced/rebuilt. My question is, before I rebuild/replace the carb what are my options?

I'd like to keep the 235 for awhile, but am wondering what I can do as far as intake/carb combinations for better performance? Can i go with a dual carb, if so what needs replaced and what do you guys recommend.

Sorry the long question. Thanks for your help!!!

Is fuel getting in the throat of the carb.? If it is it should at least start unless it,s just flooding it with fuel. Check your ignition & see if you have spark.I recommend you keep it stock unless you have a lot of experience or would like to experiment & get experience.

Unfortunately, the truck is in Texas (at second home) and I am in PA so I can't check/try anything right now.

A little more background info. The truck was drivng for a few days. Got as high as 40 mph before it started "hesitating". Then it just stopped altogether. So I assume I am getting spark. Is that correct?

I was eventually able to get truck started and drive for a few feet before stalling when throttle was all the way out. That is when I had it looked at and the carb was suggested as a problem.

Steve,

Any chance water could have gotten into the gas..maybe the rig sat for a number of years with a low tank.


Stuart.

Stuart,

I just bought the truck, so yes that is always a possibility. How do I check/fix?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve

A can of something like Gas-Guard or some other fuel system cleaner will break the surface tension of the water and allow it to pass through the jet. I don't know if this is your problem, but when you describe being able to drive the truck, then having it fizzle out, it would appear to be fuel related. The obvious drill would be to make sure you have fuel in the tank, then make sure a adequate supply reaches the carburetor. Finally, the carburetor must fill to the proper level and deliver the fuel through the jet/jets to run the engine. You sometimes can simplify things if you see that the truck will idle, but not zoom down the road, or will go down the road, but not idle.

Collapsed hoses and junk in the tank have been common problems on this forum. The ignition system could be the culprit also..that will take another chapter. Try the "no fuel" lead first.


Stuart.