The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carburetor Insulator Necessary?

I am putting a Rochester B Carburetor on my 1953 Chevy with a 216 Engine. It doesn't currently have an insulator between the engine and the carb. Is that something that is necessary? Is that an item that can be purchased at a local auto parts store or does something like that have to be special ordered?

Thanks!
Jesse

Its good to have it but you will need to change the linkage & studs if you do. One for the 216 will be harder to find but I think the specialty suppliers have it. If its been running without it I think I would try it without it.

That insulator should be standard equipment. Without it, you can get percolation in the fuel bowl on even a moderately hot day, and it will be hard to re-start after driving till fuel pump re-fills the bowl. May also leak all over manifolds, and be potential fire hazard. Jim Carter and others list them.

You can get the parts here.
classic parts of america
jim carter


Tim

Quick question and I think answer. I have a 54 3100 with a 62 235 c.i. engine. Last week I noticed that there was percolation in my glass fuel filter bowl. This was after a 20 mile trip with weather in the high 90's. Lots of coughing and missing for the last ten miles. Was hard to start after shutting down. After reading your post I checked, and low and behold, I don't have a insulator between my carb and manifold. Ordering one from J.C. this morning.

I think that they all came with the insulator from the factory.

Yes, the insulator was standard equipment, except maybe with updraft carbs(?), with a purpose, as posted above. There are two sizes, as posted above.

Here are specific parts from Tim's helpful links:

Jim Carter - earlier insulator plate
Jim Carter - later insulator plate
Classic Parts - smaller opening
Classic Parts - larger opening

Even though the shop manuals do not refer to gaskets, a gasket is usually needed between the carburetor and the insulator plate (with properly orientated slots in the gasket to match up with a vacuum port in the base of the carb). A gasket might not be need between the insulator and the intake manifold. You will most likely have to use longer carburetor mounting studs in the intake manifold.

Hey Tim,you got Jim carters links marked classic !!

Make sure you order the correct carburetor base gasket as well .

Tim!!

Good gasket reminder, Tim. Thanks for the correction. I fixed it (I hope).

Tim,are you ok ?????

Tim,

Thanks for the second correction, Tim.

Maybe I have it correct now?

Home made beer and single malt Scotch has taken its toll (I am on vacation with relatives and friends in NC). I should know better (I'll try to resist making posts until I am sober and get home to NY).

LOL !!!!!
Looks like the right links now.