Carburetor cleanliness is absolutely critical. Any small particles such as dirt, sand, etc. can easily clog small ports and passages. Buildup of carbon, old grease, and so on can hinder movement of shafts and other moving parts. During any service or rebuild, take the time to ensure that every single component is absolutely clean and free of contaminants. Although a parts cleaner certainly comes in handy, it’s highly recommended to use a dedicated solvent that is specifically designed for carburetor cleaning. You also need a few cleaning brushes of various sizes that should be dedicated to carb cleaning only to eliminate cross-contamination. Old general-use brushes may contain grit and other deposits because they may have been used to clean various engine, brake, suspension, or other parts.
This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOLLEY CARBURETORS: HOW TO REBUILD. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERE
SHARE THIS ARTICLE: Please feel free to share this article on Facebook, in Forums, or with any Clubs you participate in. You can copy and paste this link to share: https://musclecardiy.com/tech-tips/how-to-inspect-clean-a-holley-carburetor-step-by-step-guide/
Load the carb parts in a parts cleaning basket. Although many small parts can be placed in the basket including jets, screws, sight plugs, and so on without fear of losing them, extremely small parts such as C-clips, pin clips, etc. are better cleaned by hand. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Lower the basket into the solvent bucket slowly to avoid splashing. Leave the basket submerged in the solvent bucket for about 20 minutes. After removing the basket, rinse all parts with hot water and blow-dry with compressed air. When blowing compressed air into the throttle body, remember to adjust your compressor to approximately 25 psi before blowing air into passages inside the main body.
You also need a source of compressed air to blow small passages clean. This can be accomplished with a shop air compressor or hand-held bottles of compressed air that are available at office supply stores (the same type used for cleaning computers).
Solvents
Although a spray-can of a brake-cleaning solvent may provide a reasonable cleaning choice, a specific carburetor cleaning solvent is a better choice because of its formulation. This cleaner, along with a small soft-bristle brush, can accomplish your goal. However, to remove even the most stubborn varnish or carbon buildups, a specially formulated carburetor cleaner, such as CRC Industries’ TYME-1 provides superior cleaning performance. This solvent is available in both 1- and 5-gallon buckets.
TYME-1 is rather aggressive and is intended for metal parts only. Any soft parts, such as O-rings, gaskets, and diaphragms should be replaced. Even though some O-rings and diaphragms may appear reusable, if you’ve completely disassembled the carburetor, it just makes sense to do it properly and start off with fresh seals, diaphragms, and gaskets.
When purchasing a can of cleaner, be sure to buy a solvent that is specifically intended for carburetor cleaning.
Be sure to squirt carb cleaner into each and every passage and orifice, and then blow everything clear with compressed air.
A superior cleaning solvent example is CRC Industries’ TYME-1, available in 1- or 5-gallon buckets. A dedicated cleaning basket (shown) drops inside a 5-gallon bucket. The tall handle on the basket prevents the need to retrieve parts with your hands.
Dedicated carb solvents, such as TYME-1, are very potent. You must wear protective gloves and safety glasses when dealing with this chemical. Just immersing the parts in a bucket of this solvent removes contaminants. Depending on the severity of the buildup, a soak time of 15 minutes to an hour usually does the trick. To avoid losing small parts in the bucket, and to prevent having to dip your hand into the solvent to retrieve parts, place all parts in a parts-washer cleaning basket. The basket is made of perforated steel that allows the solvent to drain when it’s removed from the bucket; it also has a tall handle for ease of dunking and removal.
After soaking the parts in solvent, rinse them in hot water to remove chemical residue. Blow dry with compressed air, paying particular attention to blowing out all passages and orifices.
Don’t get carried away with air pressure. Adjust the regulator on your compressor to about 25 to 30 psi. Excessive air pressure can potentially dislodge any internal pressed-in plugs, which can ruin your main body and turn it into an expensive paperweight.
Cracks and Pinholes
If you don’t have access to expensive flaw-detection equipment, an easy way to check for cracks is with a dye-penetrant kit and an ultraviolet (UV or “black light”). These kits include three hand-held aerosol spray cans: One cleans and prepares the surface, one is a dye-penetrant spray, and one is a developer spray. You can use the following three steps with most kits.
After rinsing the components in carburetor solvent, be sure to blow clean compressed air through all ports, passages, and small orifices to remove any grime, debris, or particles.
Metering blocks have numerous small orifices. In addition to solvent cleaning, run a small-diameter wire through each hole and follow with compressed air.
A simple aerosol dye-penetrant flaw-detection kit can prove to be handy for inspecting any component that you suspect has a crack or hole. Goodson’s kit is an example. First, you spray the surface with the cleaner. This is simply a fast-evaporating solvent that removes any surface contaminants and prepares the surface for the dye. Next, you spray the dye onto the surface and allow it dry for about a minute.
The third step is to spray on the developer. This allows concentrations of the dye to appear, such as in small pinholes or cracks. Because the dye is not visible in daylight or normal room light, a UV light must be used to view the area.
Even with a UV light, inspecting in a brightly lit room may be difficult. It’s best to turn off the room lights. The UV light causes any openings, such as cracks or pinholes, to be visible as bright green in color.
A Nitrophyl float (left) must be inspected by weighing it after it is immersed and soaked in solvent or gasoline. A brass float (right) may be weighed or immersed in water to see if bubbles are released. Or, if it was removed recently, you can shake the brass float to try to detect any fuel that may have leaked inside.
It’s rare to encounter a leaking brass float. However, if it leaks, it fills with fuel that prevents it from floating in the bowl. You can immerse the float in clear water to check for air bubbles, or use a dye penetrant to check for body and seam flaws.
Spray the cleaner onto the surface and allow it to dry. Then, spray the dye onto the surface so that it penetrates into any existing cracks or pinholes. Finally, spray on the developer.
When viewed under a UV light, any surface flaws or irregularities are revealed in a bright green color. With regard to carburetors, applications include checking for leaking fuel bowls, metal floats, external bowl-to-bowl fuel transfer tubes, cracked baseplates, and so on. After the inspection is performed, the dye and developer are easily rinsed off with a solvent such as carb cleaner or lacquer thinner.
Another way to perform an easy check to see if a float is leaking (absorbing fuel) is to immerse the float in a clear jar of clear water and look for bubbles. Rotate the float in all directions while it’s submerged. If any cracks or holes exist, you should see air bubbles escaping. Any leaking brass floats need to be replaced. Holley floats may be brass, plastic, or solid Nitrophyl (often called “foam” floats, the material is not foam). If your carb uses a solid float, you must weigh it to determine if it has degraded to the point where it is able to soak up fuel and become heavier. Immerse the float into a container of clean solvent for 15 to 20 minutes, then weigh it.
A center-hung Nitrophyl float should weigh approximately 12 grams; a side-hung Nitrophyl float should weigh about 15 to 16 grams. If you don’t have a gram scale, consider visiting a local performance engine builder who balances crankshafts. That shop has a precision gram scale for weighing pistons, rods, bearing, and rings.
Baseplate Inspection
You need to verify the integrity or flatness of the baseplate. If a carb was previously mounted using uneven and/or excessive torque, the baseplate may be warped. Warpage can also occur over time because of a combination of heat cycling (cold to hot or hot to cold) in conjunction with uneven tightening force.
Use a machinist’s straightedge and a feeler gauge to check the bottom of the baseplate for flatness: Place the straightedge across the baseplate from corner to corner at the bolt-hole locations, front to rear, side to side, and diagonally. Hold the straightedge in place and attempt to insert a feeler gauge between the baseplate and straightedge. An accepted limit of space is .007 inch. In my opinion, more than .005 inch of warpage should be addressed.
If excessive baseplate warpage is found, you have two choices: Replace the baseplate or have it resurfaced. Do not attempt to do this with any type of power tool and abrasive. You end up with wavy and uneven surface.
If you don’t have access to a precision milling machine, you may correct surface warp with a hand file, but the file must be clean and sharp, and the baseplate must be secured in a fixture to prevent it from moving. You may find burrs around the edges as a result of someone prying the carb apart using a screwdriver; you should use a flat file to eliminate these burrs. Be careful not to remove too much material, because it can create issues with clearance at the locating dowel pins on the top side.
If you’d rather not attempt this step yourself, have a local machine shop do it. If the initial measured warpage/distortion is .010 inch or more you should replace the throttle body baseplate.
Step 1: Check Baseplate Flatness
When checking for baseplate flatness, use only a precision machinist’s straightedge. Don’t rely on a household ruler.
Step 2:Place Feeler Gauge Between Base and Straightedge
Using a feeler gauge, check for gaps between the baseplate bottom surface and the straightedge. Anything beyond .005 inch should be corrected. If the warpage is .010 inch or greater, you should replace the baseplate. Check for warpage from front to rear and side to side.
Step 3: Verify Straightness of Baseplate
Check for warpage diagonally from corner to corner.
After you confirm that the baseplate is flat (or you install a new baseplate), pay attention when tightening the carb to the intake manifold. Tighten evenly in a crisscross manner and follow the torque specifications.
Main Body
Check the metering block mating surfaces of the main body for flatness with a precision straightedge and feeler gauge. If warpage is found to be more than .007 inch, you can try to resurface the area by carefully using a clean and sharp, broad flat file. First, make sure that the surface is clean and dry. Then, wipe machinist’s dye across the surface and allow it to dry. Using a clean flat file, carefully and lightly file across the surface. The dye is quickly removed on high areas and remains on low areas. Although an ideal surface is perfectly flat (with all dye removed), this really isn’t necessary.
As you proceed, check your filing with a straightedge and feeler gauge. A maximum of approximately .006-inch deviation is acceptable because the new gasket should be able to seal with that minimal amount of unevenness. File very carefully to avoid creating an uneven surface. Don’t dwell on one particular area, and make absolutely sure that the file is always held parallel to the surface. Move the file across the entire surface with light strokes.
Also check for flatness at the main body’s accelerator pump mounting flange. It’s rare for this surface to be warped, but as long as you’re checking, it’s worthwhile. Again, if using a flat file, the main body must be secured. If the body moves during filing, you may file unevenly and create more problems and the gaskets will not seal properly.
This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOLLEY CARBURETORS: HOW TO REBUILD. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERE
SHARE THIS ARTICLE: Please feel free to share this article on Facebook, in Forums, or with any Clubs you participate in. You can copy and paste this link to share: https://musclecardiy.com/tech-tips/how-to-inspect-clean-a-holley-carburetor-step-by-step-guide/
Power Valve
Holley carburetors are equipped with a vacuum-operated power-enrichment system that incorporates a power valve. The power valve threads into the primary-side metering block. A power valve in the secondary metering block may also be located on double-pumper carbs with mechanical secondaries. This prevents a lean condition during WOT operating conditions. Placing a power valve at the secondary metering block is of particular benefit if the engine has forced induction, such as a supercharger, where the power valve is able to supply additional fuel to the main system during heavy loads or WOT.
Using a precision straightedge and feeler gauges, check the main body metering block decks for flatness. If the surface warped more than .007 inch, it likely requires resurfacing.
Machinist’s dye (available in blue or red) is readily available at any shop that sells tool and die and/or commercial fasteners. This Dykem blue is one common type. Machinist’s dye is available in both spray cans and bottles. The bottles have a small paintbrush attached to the cap for applying the dye. Apply the dye evenly and allow a few minutes of drying time before filing. Lay a flat file evenly across the surface. Use both hands and be extremely careful to keep the file flat and parallel to the surface at all times. Tipping the file results in uneven surfacing, potentially ruining the main body.
Initial strokes with a flat file on this main body’s metering block deck reveal high spots at each side of the surface. It’s not necessary to file until all traces of dye have been removed. As long as the warpage is limited to about .007 inch or less, the metering block gasket should seal properly.
Identification Number
A Holley power valve is always labeled with an identification number, such as 3.5, 35, 4.5, 45, 6.5, 65, which translates into the power valve’s vacuum rating. Even-numbered power valves are not available. Some numbers include a decimal point and others don’t; the decimal point is irrelevant.
For example, both 65 and 6.5 indicate a vacuum rating of 6.5 inches of vacuum. This is the point at which the valve opens and the engine vacuum drops to that point or below it.
Manifold Vacuum
Holley power valves have a cast metal housing, a rubber diaphragm, and a spring. When engine vacuum drops to and below the valve’s rating, the valve opens and allows extra fuel to flow through a calibrated port in the metering block, which is called the power-valve channel restrictor. A blown power valve (from a failed diaphragm) results in an over-rich condition, allowing full-time fuel enrichment. The same problem occurs if the incorrect power valve is installed for the application. This obviously results in lousy fuel economy, spark plug fouling, poor idle quality, and black smoke from the tailpipe.
Holley carbs may have one of two styles of power valves. On the left is a two-stage power valve with small orifices. On the right is a power valve with the large window passage. The version with small holes is designed primarily to improve part-throttle economy on vehicles with heavy loads and isn’t the best choice for a performance application. The gaskets differ in shape between the two versions. The correct gasket must match the style of power valve.
An unmodified stock engine probably has an engine vacuum at idle in the 18- to 20-inch range. A high-performance or competition engine that’s equipped with a long-duration high-overlap camshaft produces a lower engine idle manifold vacuum.
When inspecting for manifold vacuum, be sure to allow the engine to warm up to full operating temperature before taking a vacuum reading. A simple vacuum gauge connected to a full manifold vacuum port may be used when checking engine vacuum. Before taking a vacuum reading, bear in mind that if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, the transmission should be placed in gear, with the brake on, and with the engine at idle. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, place the transmission in neutral and check manifold vacuum at engine idle.
Size Selection
How do you determine what size power valve to use? The power-valve rating should be half of engine manifold vacuum. For example, if manifold vacuum is 13 inches, the correct power valve is a number 65 (rated at 6.5 inches of vacuum). If, when manifold vacuum is divided in half, the resulting number is an even number, always select a power valve with the next-lower reading. For example, if manifold vacuum is 8 inches, select a power valve rated at 3.5 inches. If you’re tuning for performance, a higher-numbered power valve allows an increase in fuel enrichment (a 65 valve allows more enrichment than a 45, for example). For optimum track performance, expect to perform a few trial-and-error experiments with higher-numbered power valves.
Power Valve Testing
To inspect for a suspected blown power valve, have the engine at operating temperature and idling, then turn the idle-mixture screws (on each side of the metering block) all the way in. If the engine begins to stumble and dies, it is an indication that the power-valve diaphragm is not blown. If the engine does not stumble and die, the power valve is likely faulty.
Power valves are screwed into the metering block, which has a thread size of 1/2-27. The head of the power valve has four flats for wrench engagement and may be removed using a 1-inch wrench. However, the flats are relatively shallow with a height of about .120 inch. Take care to avoid burring the flats or damaging the metering block surface.
An aluminum power-valve wrench is available from select sources; it is designed specifically to securely and safely engage the power-valve flats. If you plan to service Holley street or competition carburetors on a regular basis, I recommend purchasing one of these tools from a source such as Willy’s Carburetors.
Another specialty tool is available to vacuum test a power valve with the power valve removed from the carb. These testers are readily available from sources such as Moroso and Willy’s Carburetors.
This specialty tool allows you to bench test a power valve with a common handheld vacuum pump. Simply unscrew the head of the power-valve tester tool and then screw the power valve into the tool’s main body port. A rubber O-ring seals the tool to the power valve. Reinstall the tool’s head, which seals to the tool main body with another O-ring. Connect a hand-held vacuum tester’s hose to the 1/8-inch fitting on the tool’s head, and operate the vacuum pump.
The pump’s gauge allows you to monitor the opening point of the valve. A handy window is built into the aluminum tester tool that allows you to visually check if and at what point the valve opens. You can then determine if you have a faulty power-valve diaphragm and easily verify the level of vacuum when opening occurs. In addition, you can verify the rating of the power valve by observing the vacuum pump’s gauge reading as the valve opens. Using this type of testing tool eliminates guesswork and allows you to verify power-valve condition and operation.
Power Valve Testing
Step 1:Separate Fuel Bowl from Metering Plate
Use a nut driver or wrench to remove the four screws that fasten the fuel bowl to the carburetor. Once removed, you have access to the metering block.
Step 2: Locate Power Valve and Metering Jets
On the front face of this metering block, the power-valve tip is at the center, flanked by a pair of metering jets.
Step 3: Access Power Valve
Access the square drive head of the power valve at the rear of the metering block. The metering block is simply sandwiched between the carb main body and the fuel bowl, with no additional mounting screws.
Step 4: Remove Power Valve (Special Tool)
The vacuum rating is stamped onto the valve. This example is a 6.5 valve, suitable for an engine that pulls 13 inches of vacuum. A 1-inch wrench may be used to remove or install a Holley power valve with a four-sided profile with opposing flats. Use care with a conventional wrench, because the engagement flats are very shallow at about .120 inch.When servicing a power valve, use a dedicated power-valve remover/installer tool such as this one from Willy’s Carburetors. This type of tool eases power-valve service, eliminating potential slipping and possible damage to either the power valve or the main body. A dedicated power-valve tool is form-fitted to the profile of the Holley power valve.
When servicing a power valve, use a dedicated power-valve remover/installer tool such as this one from WIlly’s Carburetors. This type of tool eases power-valve service, eliminating potential slipping and possible damage to either the power valve or the main body. A dedicated power-valve tool is form-fitted to the profile of the Holley power valve.
Step 5: Remove Power Valve (CONTINUED)
With the specialty power-valve wrench engaged onto the power valve, the recess inside the wrench bottoms-out against the power valve, preventing the tool from contacting the surface of the metering block. The knurled grip area of the tool provides a non-slip surface. This view shows that the wrench securely engages the power valve but does not protrude past the power-valve flats.
Step 6: Inspect Metering Block (Critical Inspection)
A Holley metering block has a 1/2-27 threaded port into which the power valve mounts. If the female threads in the metering block are damaged and require cleanup, be sure to use a 1/2-27 chaser tap. A chaser tap, in contrast to a cutting tap, re-forms the threads without removing excess thread material. Whenever you remove a power valve, note the shape of the valve gasket and whether the power valve has small holes or large windows. Remember, the incorrect-style gasket results in an internal fuel leak.
Step 7: Inspect Power Valve
The carburetor’s power valve threads into the primary-side metering block; it threads into the secondary metering block of Double Pumper carbs with mechanical secondary operation. The power valve supplies additional fuel to the main system during heavy loads or WOT operation.
Step 8: Choose Gasket Carefully (Professional Mechanic Tip)
An improperly matched power-valve gasket leaks. Use a gasket with a concentric inside diameter with a power valve that has the large-window fuel opening. Use a gasket with three small tangs on the inside diameter with a power valve that features a series of small fuel holes.
Vacuum Secondary Diaphragm
Inspect the power-valve diaphragm closely for damage. An engine backfire can easily rupture this diaphragm, which causes an overrich condition. In 1992, Holley began to include power-valve blow-out protection that was designed to protect the power valve and prevent diaphragm rupture. This involves a spring-loaded check ball in the throttle body’s vacuum port that leads to the power-valve vacuum chamber.
Remove the vacuum diaphragm cover and inspect the rubber diaphragm for tears or pinholes. Replace the diaphragm if you see any damage, including elongation or tears at the screw notches in the rubber. Pay particular attention to the small hole that aligns with the tiny vacuum port on the diaphragm housing; look for tears that travel from the hole in the rubber to the edge of the rubber. If the diaphragm is damaged, hard, or has isolated hard spots (possibly due to age and an extended storage period), replace it with a new diaphragm.
If your car is so equipped, remove and inspect the condition of the rubber. When removed, the diaphragm appears distorted, which is normal.
Inspect the vacuum secondary diaphragm closely, for cracks, splits, tears, or aged rubber and replace if any damage is found.
Also inspect the secondary vacuum signal port to make sure that it’s not obstructed. Squirting it with carb cleaner and blowing it with compressed air should clear any debris.
Vacuum Secondary Seal
If the carb is equipped with vacuum secondary operation, inspect the vacuum diaphragm housing and cap for flatness. If it has ever been severely overtightened, these mating surfaces may be warped. Measure the flatness of both surfaces with a precision straightedge and feeler gauge. Carefully file it flat if warpage of more than .003 inch is found.
This is a relatively small area, so it’s best to first apply a light coating of machinist’s dye. When the dye has dried, run a fine flat file across the surface gently to reveal any low spots. Carefully file it flat until the surface is uniform.
You must make sure that the tiny vacuum port in the secondary vacuum housing is clean and free of obstructions. Blow compressed air through the orifice to make sure that air passes through to the vacuum port on the rear of the housing.
The rear vacuum port on the secondary diaphragm housing has a small cork/rubber gasket. If in doubt that it is usable, replace it. A carb rebuild kit includes this. If you have purchased a rebuild kit, it doesn’t make sense to reuse the original gasket.
Unlike metering block gaskets, which are fairly thick and somewhat forgiving, the vacuum diaphragm that seals between the housing and cap is fairly thin. Excess surface warpage can easily result in a leak.
This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOLLEY CARBURETORS: HOW TO REBUILD. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERE
SHARE THIS ARTICLE: Please feel free to share this article on Facebook, in Forums, or with any Clubs you participate in. You can copy and paste this link to share: https://musclecardiy.com/tech-tips/how-to-inspect-clean-a-holley-carburetor-step-by-step-guide/
Throttle Plates
Inspect the throttle plates for damage. If the carb was laid on a workbench while someone held the throttle open, for example, the plates may be bent. If the plates are bent, you must replace the choke plates. The staked screws that secure the plates to the shaft or the entire throttle body also need to be replaced. With the throttles closed, there should be a small gap between the primary throttle plates and their throttle bores, as set by the factory. The plates should not be seated fully. They are supposed to be open slightly for idle quality. This is likely in the range of .010 to .012 inch, depending on the model.
Notice the small gap at the edge of the throttle plate in relation to the throttle bore. This is normal. A gap to keep the primary throttle plates slightly open is set at the factory to aid in engine idle at closed throttle. Depending on carb model, this gap may be in the range of .010 to .015 inch. Do not attempt to modify the gap to fully seat the throttle plates.
Inspect the choke’s fast idle cam steps for signs of wear, damage, or burrs. If damaged, replace the choke housing.
Choke Fast-Idle Cam
Inspect the plastic fast idle cam (behind the choke housing) for wear, breaks, cracks, etc. If any of the steps in the cam appear worn or damaged, replace the cam.
Throttle Shaft and Shaft Bearings
Keep in mind that in addition to vacuum leaks, a distorted or warped baseplate throttle body can also result in throttle shaft binding. If the throttle shaft is bent or untrue, it can be especially noticeable in vacuum-operated secondary models because the vacuum diaphragm may not be able to open the secondary throttle plates. If a throttle shaft is bent, replace the shaft or replace both the throttle body and the shaft.
The temperature-sensitive thermal spring adjusts carb richness according to the ambient temperature so it needs to be in good working order. Inspect the thermal spring inside the electric choke cap. If it is distorted or shows signs of unwinding, replace it. New caps with springs are readily available.
Wiggle the throttle shafts up and down to check for excess play. If vertical slop is found, the shaft bearings are worn.
Inspect the throttle shaft (with the carb disconnected from the vehicle’s throttle linkage) by wiggling the shaft up and down. Any detectable vertical movement indicates that the throttle shaft bearings are worn. This requires that the throttle body be replaced. A competent carburetor rebuilder may be able to re-bush the throttle shaft bore.
Overtightening the carb to the intake manifold, especially when using a very thick and soft gasket, can also contribute to shaft binding.
Idle and Main Well Passages and Emulsion Tubes
Under typical circumstances, preparing to clean a metering block should involve simply removing the idle-mixture screws. When fuel flow through the main system begins, fuel is metered through the main jets and into the main well in the metering block. As fuel travels upward through the main well, air is added from high-speed bleed orifices in the passage to emulsify (pre-atomize) the fuel charge, and then it travels through the discharge nozzles. This air-charged fuel delivery is lighter in weight and is able to respond faster to changes in the venturi vacuum signal.
The tiny air orifices can be clogged if the carburetor was previously subjected to severe contamination. Unfortunately there’s no way to verify this without removing the press-fit plugs from the metering block. The top of the metering block has cap plugs that seal the main and idle well passages. Depending on the carb model, removing the press-in cap plugs may reveal the main and idle wells, but some plugs may include an emulsion tube attached to the plug.
To remove the cap plugs and/or plugs with emulsion tubes, carefully drill a 1/8-inch hole in the center of each cap plug. Next, thread in a No. 8 sheet-metal screw into the plug, leaving the head of the screw well exposed above the plug. This gives you something firm to pry against; then, pull the plug out using a pair of small crow’s-foot pry bars. Be aware that drilling too deep can easily damage any integral passages that may be present under the plugs and you can easily ruin the metering block. Don’t drill more than 1/8-inch deep.
The cap plugs, depending on carb model, may be flat or recessed. If the cap plugs are recessed, carefully measure the installed depth before attempting to remove them because they need to be reinstalled at the same depth. Cupped-type plugs are readily available from Holley (PN 1007-107), but flat plugs are not available. Plugs can be reused if the drilled hole is soldered shut or sealed with an epoxy such as J-B Weld. Care must be taken to avoid excess solder or epoxy from running past the hole and causing an obstruction.
If the carburetor, upon disassembly and inspection, shows signs of heavy contamination, your best recourse may be to simply replace the metering blocks, if you don’t feel like taking the time and effort involved in the tedious process of plug removal. If the operation isn’t carried out correctly, you can create more problems.
Metering blocks have numerous small orifices. In addition to solvent cleaning, run a small-diameter wire through each hole and follow with compressed air.
Before installing new or the original plugs, lightly coat the cup outer surface with an epoxy and gently drive the plug into place. Again, if you have cupped plugs, they must be reinstalled at the original depth.
Metering Block Disassembly and Inspection
Step 1: Remove Idle-Mixture Screw from Metering Block
Prior to cleaning a metering block, remove the idle-mixture screw from each side of the block.
Step 2: Remove Idle-Mixture Screw Gasket
Notice the cork-rubber gasket in the idle-mixture screw hole recess. Use a small pick to remove this gasket. Always replace this gasket because strong cleaning solvents damage soft parts such as this.
Step 3: Measure Metering Block Plug Depth (Precision Measurement)
If you plan to remove a metering block’s cap plugs, first measure the plug’s installed depth; the new plug must be installed at the same depth. The depth tip of a dial caliper or a dedicated depth gauge (shown) may be used.
Step 4: Measure Metering Block Plug Depth CONTINUED
Position the depth micrometer gauge on the metering block top surface. While holding the gauge base firmly onto the metering block, gently turn the fine-adjustment upper black knob clockwise until the gauge anvil stops onto the plug.
Step 5: Measure Metering Block Plug Depth (CONTINUED)
A dial caliper has a depth probe at the end of the body opposite the gauge. Extend the probe, and then insert it into the recess of the cap plug. The reading on a sample metering block recessed plug with this depth gauge showed an installed depth of just over .125 inch. If the plug is removed, the new plug must be installed at the same depth.
Carefully insert the dial caliper’s depth probe until the caliper body is flush with the surface of the metering block. Remove it and read the depth on the caliper’s gauge.
Step 6: Measure Metering Block Plug Depth (CONTINUED)
The reading on a sample metering block recessed plug with this depth gauge showed an installed depth of just over .125 inch. If the plug is removed, the new plug must be installed at the same depth.
Step 7: Drill Out Metering Block Plugs(Professional Mechanic Tip)
Main and idle wells are capped with press-fit plugs. To remove them, carefully drill a 1/8-inch hole to no more than 1/8-inch deep. Thread a No. 8 sheet-metal screw into the hole, at no more than 1/8 inch of depth. Use a pair of small crow’s-foot pry bars under the screw head to pry the plug out.
Inspect the rubber closely for any signs of damage, such as cracks, pinholes, or aged rubber. If there is any perceptible wear or damage, you need to replace the diaphragm or the pump will leak.
Clean each main jet to verify a clean orifice. A matching-size drill bit can be used, by hand. Never use a power driver to run the drill. Using even the matching diameter drill bit can easily enlarge the hole. If deposits are found, poke and rotate the bit in the passage with only your fingers, followed by solvent cleaning.
Use a thin wire to clean out the discharge nozzle passages, and blow out with compressed air prior to and after solvent cleaning.
Accelerator Pump Diaphragm
With the accelerator pump cover removed, take out the accelerator pump diaphragm and closely inspect the rubber along the entire perimeter. If any obvious damage such as pinholes, cracks, or tears, is evident, the diaphragm must be replaced. Also check for rubber compliance. If the rubber seems brittle or age-hardened, replace the diaphragm.
Needle and Seat Assembly
Verify that the needle moves freely inside the housing and closely inspect the needle for signs of wear or burrs. Even if you determine that the assembly is okay, always replace the sealing O-ring.
If the tapered needle cone appears worn or damaged in any way, replace the assembly. Remove the rubber O-ring prior to cleaning and make sure that the needle assembly moves freely within its bore.
Main Jets
As with all other components, the jets must be perfectly clean. Closely inspect the jet orifice to make sure that no debris or varnish buildup is present. The orifice may be cleaned out using a hand drill; never use a power-drill driver. Don’t try to enlarge the jet size. If you need larger jets, just install the appropriate size. For cleaning purposes, refer to the list in “Drill Bit Sizes” in Chapter 7 to determine the correct bit size for the corresponding jet. Only use a drill bit for cleaning purposes.
Discharge Nozzles
The nozzle orifices are tiny and must be inspected for cleanliness. If you have a wire of the appropriate size, run it through the nozzles, clean them with solvent, and then blow them out with air. Under no circumstances should you try to drill the nozzles out. Just make sure that they are clean and free of debris.
Carburetor Renewal Kits
Holley offers an extensive range of renewal kits, available for every model of carb that they make. The kits have everything needed, including the correct small clips, unlike some aftermarket kits that may not be as complete and may not include the correct parts for a specific carburetor. The parts in the Holley renew kits are the same type and quality that was original on the carb from the factory.
Holley offers a rebuild kit (referred to as a “renew” kit) for every model of carburetor that they make. The kits include everything needed to make your Holley carb fresh following a disassembly. Avoid non-Holley brand kits, as they might not include everything, and may not have the same quality of components. This is a renewal kit (PN 37-485) applicable to 4150 carbs in 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, and 850 cfm.
Written by Mike Mavrigian and Posted with Permission of CarTechBooks
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK!
If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book.