The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carb. to rebuild or not to rebuild

hello,
i've never rebuilt a carburetor before and i know my single barrel rochester needs an overhaul. i have the parts but don't know if i should dig into it or not. I am aware of the basic parts in a card, i.e. jets, float, etc.
what do you think i should do, rebuild it myself with a detailed diagram and instructions or have someone else do it?

thanks

You didn't say what model carb it is. If it is Roch. Model B they are the heigth of simplicity. If you are mechanicaly inclind you should be able to do it your self. The Carters are a little more diffecult. You can always get help on this website if you are not sure of something or run into trouble.

is it the 1BBL? its whatever came stock on a 1958 235

Why do you think it needs to be rebuilt?

Give it a try. Take your time and make lots of notes and photos of how it comes apart.

This may help:

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/booklets/5020mts00.htm

Good luck.

cause it leaked gas everywhere and it at least needs new gaskets might as well overhaul it while im doing it.

ok thanks joe ill take a look at the link.

these carburetors are about one step above a briggs and stratton. (well the whole engine for that matter) there is really nothing to them, just make sure you set the float level, and the float DROP as well, because if the float sits on the bottom of the carb after the fuel evaporates it gets glued down and gas just pours out all over the exhaust making a very uncomfortable situation.

just rebuilt it, float set...i think perfectly. 1 14/31, and the drop at 1 3/4. is that right?

Take apart, clean/soak in solvent, spray with brake clean, wash with soap and water, rinse, blow out all holes, etc. and dry thoroughly. Put the new stuff in. Level and drop per instructions. If it has drill passages that have been blocked off with plugs, skin them over with JB Weld or they will leak gas or suck air. Piece of cake. It will run like a new Briggs and Stratton. Why don't you drop in a V8? not that much more work

OH YEAH, I had to end up adjusting the drop using a set of calipers, measuring the depth of the bowl from the top of the bowl then measuring the float as it was hanging. I think I got some oddball float, because at the factory setting, it set on the bottom, either that or I didn't have the right carb for the specs I was using or something. 4 or 5 times over a period of about 3 months I had to take it apart just to find absolutely nothing in the bowl that I could figure would cause the "lets burn down the house" situation. Either way from now on, on a new (to me) carb I will use the actual measurements in the bowl as related to the actual bottom of the float hitting the bowl. Kind of late now that you are done though....But that was my experience.
This post just in from the carbking titled carb adjustments for older carbs, which may come in handy, since you are there right now.

does anyone know the specs for the float adjustments? i have my set at 1 14/32, and 1 3/4 on the drop.

that info is always in the carb kit?

Its 1 9/32 float level.