Fuel System: carb questions

[yoshimitsuspeed]

55 President 4 barrel carb
Been sitting for who knows how long. I got it fired up but I'm pretty sure at least one jet is clogged and the rest probably dirty.
I assume the two front jets should spray an equal amount of fuel in an even pattern at idle?
The drivers side is barely dribbling and seems more plugged than when I first started it.
I also assume the two rear don't really spray till the rear two barrels open up?

How should I go about fixing this up? Just not sure if I have to take a lot apart or if there's quick easy access to the vitals. I'm sure I could figure it out but thought you guys might have some good tips.

[brian6373]

Hi, I think your problem is more than the carb. Your going to have to take the carb apart because there's going to be crud in the bowl, cleaning the jet is only going to last a short time. If the car has been sitting for a long time theres going to be stuff in the gas tank. You can try putting a filter between the fuel pump and the carb, but it will most likely clog in a short time. In the long run it's best to clean the whole fuel system for reliable fuel delivery. Sorry, I don't think theres a quick fix. I had to do this on my 55 president after rebuilding the carb, putting in a filter, and finally pulling the gas tank and having it boiled out. Brian

[Mike Van Veghten]

Crud in the bowl...
There's likely "crud" everywhere..!

When gasoline starts to go bad inside all of the little passages it can go from hard to just a jell like substance. I've actually had "old" gas come out of a fuel line in a crystal looking form.
Make it easy on yourself, just give it a through cleaning (that is...a soak) rebuild (or have someone if you can't !) and verify all....of the passages are clear, then reassemble it.

Do it right the first time, otherwise, you'll be chasing your tail...as they say..!

Mike

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Is there some sort of rebuild kit with new gaskets and whatever else I might need?

[jclary]

Look on the positive side...you are about to gain some knowledge you didn't have before! The good comments from others gives you a head start. One very very important thing. If you dismantle the carb for rebuilding, do not use lacquer thinner, MEK, or similar solvents. Use carburetor cleaner. The porous castings are sealed with a sealing agent that will be harmed by the wrong type of solvent. That is why so many of our cars have leaky carbs and smell like gas fumes.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

So any sugestions for a rebuild kit? I'm afraid I'll get in there and find a bunch of old brittle dead gaskets.

[jclary]

So any sugestions for a rebuild kit? I'm afraid I'll get in there and find a bunch of old brittle dead gaskets.

I have not bought a kit in a long time, but I think they are available. How about posting a picture of yours and any model numbers you are able to find. Someone here should be able to help you identify it and get the proper kit number and offer suggestions of where to buy a kit or even a replacement carb.

[showbizkid]

What you have is likely a Carter WCFB carburetor -- find the little triangular brass tag on under one of the top screws on the carb and post the number here. Likely, what you've got is a 2219 or 2330.

www.thecarburetorshop.com sells rebuild kits for these that have all the gaskets, springs and little balls in them Also, there's a great book by Dave Emanuel called, appropriately enough, Carter Carburetors. It's an oldie, but still available and full of tips on rebuilding and tuning WCFBs and AFBs. Very useful book and easy to read.

[41 Frank]

Most of the Studebaker vendors have the kits.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

What you have is likely a Carter WCFB carburetor -- find the little triangular brass tag on under one of the top screws on the carb and post the number here. Likely, what you've got is a 2219 or 2330.

www.thecarburetorshop.com sells rebuild kits for these that have all the gaskets, springs and little balls in them Also, there's a great book by Dave Emanuel called, appropriately enough, Carter Carburetors. It's an oldie, but still available and full of tips on rebuilding and tuning WCFBs and AFBs. Very useful book and easy to read.

Thanks for the link

[showbizkid]

Beautiful! You have the original carb. 2219SA = 1955 President 259 with standard transmission. Sweet!

[nvonada]

Napa had the kit for a Carter WE as of three years ago. Worth a call for the WCFB. Stude venders were about the same price so I bought there.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Napa had the kit for a Carter WE as of three years ago. Worth a call for the WCFB. Stude venders were about the same price so I bought there.

I don't buy anything at autoparts stores that takes more than 15 minutes to install. Too many bad experiences. I would way rather pay a little more and wait a little longer to deal with somone who knows what they are talking about and specializes in what I am looking for.
I didn't see any online shopping for the carburator shop. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if anyone is there.

Thanks for the help guys.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Can anyone recomend another place to get a rebuiuld kit? Carb king has been slow to reply to emails and every time I try to call it's busy. I would love somewhere I could just click buy pay and be done with it.

I found this one on ebay that says it will work but not sure if I should go with that or look somewhere else.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Carter-WCFB-Carburetor-Complete-Rebuild-Kit-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5888b429edQQitemZ380250630637QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[showbizkid]

May I re-suggest www.thecarburetorshop.com ? They got me my order very quickly and are knowledgeable folks.