Anyone ever rebuild your own carb? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72step · 02-04-2003, 05:14 PM

I have a 750 Carter AFB Competition Series which needs revamping. I have ordered the kit, and am planning on doing this myself with the help of a Carter book. I'd appreciate any pointers any of yall could send my way regarding carb rebuilding in general.. Thanks.

Scottri · 02-04-2003, 05:42 PM

I've done a few. Now I send them out. I still have a Qjet in a box full of parts that I "rebuilt".

Scott

Gordo · 02-04-2003, 05:44 PM

In general, give yourself a clean well lighted work area, lay out disassembled parts in oder of removal, bottom out mixture screws counting number of turns in, don't bend any linkage, make notes as you go to ease assembly, clean everything with a good carb cleaner and blow off with compressed air if possible, follow instructions carefully. You may want to replace the floats while your in there, and don't forget a new fuel filter.

**COBALT** · 02-04-2003, 05:48 PM

I've rebuilt my little 2bbl Rochester. Take plenty of pictures, and don't let the dog into the shop. My dad's german shepard pulled the drop-cloth with all of the linkage parts on it right off the work table onto the floor. I was PISSED...

Longhorn Man · 02-04-2003, 06:34 PM

The AFB (carter/eldebrock) is so simple even a chimp can do it.
Take your time, and a digi cam is priceles on this kind of stuff.

Patrick Sullivan · 02-04-2003, 07:11 PM

Quote:

I still have a Qjet in a box full of parts that I "rebuilt".

Hahah yea, me too! It never ran quite the same after I was finished with it..

72step · 02-05-2003, 05:07 PM

I'll have to see if the wife lets me use the kitchen table as long as I cover it up good with cardboard and plastic. I have a digicam. Why would it be so helpful? To take pictures for reassembly? Thanks.............

**COBALT** · 02-05-2003, 05:27 PM

Absolutely. For me it helped with the linkage once it ended up scattered all over the floor because of the stupid dog.

You never know....better to have pics then need some and not have any.

Alexis · 02-05-2003, 05:55 PM

i rebuild a holley carb not to long ago. Was fun , broke a few screws but nothign that the local hardware store didn't have. first run it leaked where the fuel lines entered but fixed that. She ran better and does not back fire any more. the only problem i'm facing at the moment is when i turn of the truck the motor sounds like in wines it self kinda like gas is still burning, any idea? i keep thinking to much fuel......i dont know.

Fred T · 02-05-2003, 06:43 PM

I used to be able to rebuild rochester 1 bbls and q-jets blindfolded. Back in the early 70's, when I turned wrenches for a living, it was far cheaper for a mechanic to rebuild a carb than to by a factory rebuild. As long as you start with a good body, you're okay. Problem with rochesters is the pot metal body, the shaft holes wear to fast and need sleeved. Edelbrocks and Holleys have far better bodies.

The q-jet that came on my 69 was worn out. I threw a kit in it after I dumped a tablespoon of Oklahoma clay out of the bowl. Problem was that the clay had sealed up the leaky shafts, it now is in a box and I put a Holley on the truck.

Ackattack · 02-05-2003, 06:44 PM

Yeah, rebuilding a edel/carter carb is pretty easy.

One suggesting. Don't get carb cleaner in your eyes...it REALLY hurts.

Longhorn Man · 02-06-2003, 12:13 AM

I'll second the carb cleaner in the eyes thing...OUCH!
Also, I don't recomend doing it in the kitchen. If you use the Berryman's Chemtool The B-12 stuff, it'll get your carb nice and clean, but the whole house will reek for a month. As a matter of fact, if you use that stuff, get some real thick rubber gloves. Your hands will stink for a couple weeks and the wife won't let you touch her. (very bad thing)
I say digi-cams are awsome becouse you can take a picture of every little thing you dissasemble, and not have to pay 20 bucks to get the fil developed. Then, if you have any ? at all on the re-assembly, all you have to do is find the immage on your PC.

A.P. · 02-06-2003, 03:27 AM

I have a Qjet carb, before I rebuild it. I went to our locat pick-a-part paid a dollar for admission and I took apart a few of their carbs. I didn't buy anything but it sure helped rebuilding my carb.

O'l Buck · 02-06-2003, 12:39 PM

Another thing that might help you is go to wal-mart or something and buy a cookie sheet or brownie pan or whatever they call them. get one with a pretty good edge on it, bigger is better. Tear your carb down and reassemble on the sheet. That way no parts get lost and you have a nice clean, portable surface to work on.

big blue 72 · 02-06-2003, 01:10 PM

send me the chimp!!!!

**StingRay** · 02-06-2003, 02:25 PM

AFB style carbs are pretty simple. Even q-jets are simple to take apart and put together. With a Q-jet it's knowing all of the little tricks about bushing the shafts, sealing the plugs and just plain evaluating the core for rebuilding in the firts place. It takes losts of experience to set a Q-jet up to run good as well. I've rebuilt about 30 carbs in my life. An AFB was the easiest, A Toyota was the most complicated and the Q-jet was the worst to make run well. I just paid a guy 200 bucks to build me an electric choke Q-jet. He is an expert and it was worth every penny.

**COBALT** · 02-06-2003, 03:21 PM

Ol' Buck: Good idea.

mikej71 · 02-06-2003, 04:25 PM

I rebuilt the carb on one of my old VW's, and I don't think I'll do it again. It ran ok, but stuck open the first time I floored it. If I do try it again, I'll just have to remember to put some plastic on the seat before I punch it for the first time.

02-04-2003, 05:14 PM	#1
72step Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: chimayo, nm, usa Posts: 898	Anyone ever rebuild your own carb? I have a 750 Carter AFB Competition Series which needs revamping. I have ordered the kit, and am planning on doing this myself with the help of a Carter book. I'd appreciate any pointers any of yall could send my way regarding carb rebuilding in general.. Thanks.

02-04-2003, 05:42 PM	#2
Scottri Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Beaverton Oregon USA Posts: 338	I've done a few. Now I send them out. I still have a Qjet in a box full of parts that I "rebuilt". Scott __________________ 1969 GMC 3/4 Ton Long Bed Fleetside 350, 4 speed manual, P/S, P/B, Edelbrock 1406 Carb Beaverton / Portland Oregon

02-04-2003, 05:44 PM	#3
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	In general, give yourself a clean well lighted work area, lay out disassembled parts in oder of removal, bottom out mixture screws counting number of turns in, don't bend any linkage, make notes as you go to ease assembly, clean everything with a good carb cleaner and blow off with compressed air if possible, follow instructions carefully. You may want to replace the floats while your in there, and don't forget a new fuel filter. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

02-04-2003, 05:48 PM	#4
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I've rebuilt my little 2bbl Rochester. Take plenty of pictures, and don't let the dog into the shop. My dad's german shepard pulled the drop-cloth with all of the linkage parts on it right off the work table onto the floor. I was PISSED... __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

02-05-2003, 05:27 PM	#8
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Absolutely. For me it helped with the linkage once it ended up scattered all over the floor because of the stupid dog. You never know....better to have pics then need some and not have any. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

02-04-2003, 06:34 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The AFB (carter/eldebrock) is so simple even a chimp can do it. Take your time, and a digi cam is priceles on this kind of stuff.

02-05-2003, 05:07 PM	#7
72step Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: chimayo, nm, usa Posts: 898	I'll have to see if the wife lets me use the kitchen table as long as I cover it up good with cardboard and plastic. I have a digicam. Why would it be so helpful? To take pictures for reassembly? Thanks.............

02-05-2003, 05:55 PM	#9
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	i rebuild a holley carb not to long ago. Was fun , broke a few screws but nothign that the local hardware store didn't have. first run it leaked where the fuel lines entered but fixed that. She ran better and does not back fire any more. the only problem i'm facing at the moment is when i turn of the truck the motor sounds like in wines it self kinda like gas is still burning, any idea? i keep thinking to much fuel......i dont know.

02-05-2003, 06:43 PM	#10
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I used to be able to rebuild rochester 1 bbls and q-jets blindfolded. Back in the early 70's, when I turned wrenches for a living, it was far cheaper for a mechanic to rebuild a carb than to by a factory rebuild. As long as you start with a good body, you're okay. Problem with rochesters is the pot metal body, the shaft holes wear to fast and need sleeved. Edelbrocks and Holleys have far better bodies. The q-jet that came on my 69 was worn out. I threw a kit in it after I dumped a tablespoon of Oklahoma clay out of the bowl. Problem was that the clay had sealed up the leaky shafts, it now is in a box and I put a Holley on the truck. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

02-05-2003, 06:44 PM	#11
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Yeah, rebuilding a edel/carter carb is pretty easy. One suggesting. Don't get carb cleaner in your eyes...it REALLY hurts. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

02-06-2003, 12:13 AM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I'll second the carb cleaner in the eyes thing...OUCH! Also, I don't recomend doing it in the kitchen. If you use the Berryman's Chemtool The B-12 stuff, it'll get your carb nice and clean, but the whole house will reek for a month. As a matter of fact, if you use that stuff, get some real thick rubber gloves. Your hands will stink for a couple weeks and the wife won't let you touch her. (very bad thing) I say digi-cams are awsome becouse you can take a picture of every little thing you dissasemble, and not have to pay 20 bucks to get the fil developed. Then, if you have any ? at all on the re-assembly, all you have to do is find the immage on your PC.

02-06-2003, 03:27 AM	#13
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	I have a Qjet carb, before I rebuild it. I went to our locat pick-a-part paid a dollar for admission and I took apart a few of their carbs. I didn't buy anything but it sure helped rebuilding my carb.

02-06-2003, 12:39 PM	#14
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	Another thing that might help you is go to wal-mart or something and buy a cookie sheet or brownie pan or whatever they call them. get one with a pretty good edge on it, bigger is better. Tear your carb down and reassemble on the sheet. That way no parts get lost and you have a nice clean, portable surface to work on. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

02-06-2003, 01:10 PM	#15
big blue 72 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: hamilton,ohio,usa Posts: 1,499	send me the chimp!!!!

02-06-2003, 02:25 PM	#16
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	AFB style carbs are pretty simple. Even q-jets are simple to take apart and put together. With a Q-jet it's knowing all of the little tricks about bushing the shafts, sealing the plugs and just plain evaluating the core for rebuilding in the firts place. It takes losts of experience to set a Q-jet up to run good as well. I've rebuilt about 30 carbs in my life. An AFB was the easiest, A Toyota was the most complicated and the Q-jet was the worst to make run well. I just paid a guy 200 bucks to build me an electric choke Q-jet. He is an expert and it was worth every penny. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada



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02-06-2003, 03:21 PM	#17
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Ol' Buck: Good idea. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

02-06-2003, 04:25 PM	#18
mikej71 Unregistered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, TX USA Posts: 538	I rebuilt the carb on one of my old VW's, and I don't think I'll do it again. It ran ok, but stuck open the first time I floored it. If I do try it again, I'll just have to remember to put some plastic on the seat before I punch it for the first time. __________________ 71 SWB Stepside SB400/TH350

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