1969 Rochester 1bbl: Rebuild or Buy New

[Luke87gt]

Hi guys, some of you have been following my new purchase, 1969 c10 250.

I had planned to rebuild the carb (1bbl Rochester) but have since considered buying a replacement new given the low cost.

What do you guys think? I was thinking rebuilding a carb could be great for education purposes, but from watching YouTube videos, it looks like there’s quite a bit involved.

I already have the Standard Products rebuild kit in hand.

If I go the rebuild route, do you guys have any step by step references I can follow? How long should i expect this to take?

If I go new, any recommendations for sources to buy new? Thanks all

[oneshotkyle]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Hi guys, some of you have been following my new purchase, 1969 c10 250.

I had planned to rebuild the carb (1bbl Rochester) but have since considered buying a replacement new given the low cost.

What do you guys think? I was thinking rebuilding a carb could be great for education purposes, but from watching YouTube videos, it looks like there’s quite a bit involved.

I already have the Standard Products rebuild kit in hand.

If I go the rebuild route, do you guys have any step by step references I can follow? How long should i expect this to take?

If I go new, any recommendations for sources to buy new? Thanks all

If you already have the rebuild kit id vote to rebuild it. I just like you question rebuilding vs the ebay shiney 1 barrel with electric choke. I kept the monojet on the shelf and purchased the ebay carb soley to have electric choke. Funny thing is so far i have left the keyed power off the electric choke and it starts idles and runs just fine.

[Luke87gt]

Maybe you can tell me about the mechanical vs electric?

Any reason I should consider one over the other if I buy new?

[oneshotkyle]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

Maybe you can tell me about the mechanical vs electric?

Any reason I should consider one over the other if I buy new?

Manual or electric choke all depends on what you want or your application. I didnt want a choke cable to pull on the dash.

[geezer#99]

I’ve never seen an electric choke mono jet!
Do you have a pic or link?

[Jason Banks]

geezer they are all over eBay. Chinese monojet knockoff.

If Luke87gt buys one I hope he comes back and posts some feedback.

I'm too much of an original guy to get one and have always just rebuilt mine. I have one that runs so good compared to others I have tried.

Luke the main difference in electric and mechanical is convenience. With the electric you basically never have to mess with it. For mechanical, you have to use it when the engine is cold and the push it back in on the dash to disable it once warmed up.

[Steeveedee]

I'd rebuild the original, personally. They're a piece of cake to do.

[54blackhornet]

Mikes Carbs is your friend. Stay away from Chinese garbage.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

I had never rebuilt a carb until I rebuilt my q-jet. Those videos will make more sense once your hands are in it. Take pix as you go and don't hurry.

Mike's has 'letric conversion kits, Cliff's prolly does too. One less thing to adjust.

[Chevy nutcase]

You have the rebuild kit so I'd rebuild it. I did mine on my 66 and was very pleased with the results. It requires no special tools or training. I already had a harbor freight ultrasonic cleaner but that's not 100% necessary. Just take a lot of pictures of every piece and it's orientation as you remove them and you'll be fine. If you some how destroy it in the process then you can look for a new one

[dmjlambert]

I agree with the others and go ahead and rebuild it. If you can't get it to work put it back together best you can and let somebody else work on it for you. Here is an example of somebody who can have your back, https://nationalcarburetors.com/carburetor-rebuild.html
And there may be others in your town or here on the forum that can help too. Ask questions here.

[Luke87gt]

Thank you everyone for the feedback.

Since I have the kit, maybe I should try the rebuild.

I do notice that the rebuild kit states that float isn’t included. Maybe I should pick one up?

[Rust_never_sleeps]

You can shake the float and see if it has fuel in it(assuming it's been sitting in a full bowl)
You can push it under the surface in soapy water and look for bubbles. If it's brass, you can use hot water for this

[68bowtie]

I’ve rebuilt 2 carbs, I consider myself a novice in this area. Both were very straightforward. You can do it.

[Luke87gt]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

I’ve rebuilt 2 carbs, I consider myself a novice in this area. Both were very straightforward. You can do it.

That’s encouraging! Ok I try it!

If anyone can point me to the Standard Products float that would be helpful

[geezer#99]

These guys have what you need.


https://quadrajetparts.com/rochester...188eb48b37d190

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

That’s encouraging! Ok I try it!

If anyone can point me to the Standard Products float that would be helpful

I'd recommend taking the carb apart and finding out if the float is any good, before throwing more money at it. Those carbs had brass floats back in the day, and they didn't fail all that often.

[geezer#99]

When I built this pair, the floats had been stored for 10 years in a shed where temps got down to 40 below.
Not a problem with them.

[geezer#99]

This might help in your rebuild.


https://www.carburetor-parts.com/Mon...d_ep_2033.html

[Luke87gt]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

This might help in your rebuild.


https://www.carburetor-parts.com/Mon...d_ep_2033.html

Very helpful, will use this as a reference

[don t. - 72gmc]

I am not a mechanic.
I have been rebuilding Rochester 2 bbl carbs way before the internet.
Follow the directions in the rebuild kit.
Aint all that hard to do if you take your time.
Now-a-day...take a ton of pics so you can remember how it came apart.
You've got this site when you don't remember(grin).

Good luck...Don.