VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc W-1 Carburetor Confidence Check

I know this may sound like heresy, but is there a simple way to verify that the carb I'm about to install on my engine is any good? I have a couple of used carbs that look really, really nice but concerned there could be stuff in the passages that I don't want to introduce into my newly rebuilt engine. Any way to flush them out without a complete teardown & rebuild? Even if I take all the plugs out, is just a soak in carb cleaner good enough to remove any potential bits of stuff? I'm not talking about a rusty hulk that someone has theoretically rebuilt like has been discussed in other threads. This were nice used carbs but have been sitting for years. Just asking...

If they were mine I would first install them and see what happens. Depends on how and where they were stored.
Probably try to introduce something thing like ATF or MMO into the openings around the accelerator pump first.

Thanks, Gene. I'll at least dust them off. :-)

If you have any concerns that foreign particles might invade the pristine cylinder environment from the introduction of a suspect carburetor, my recommendation is to not, repeat NOT soak it in solvent or cleaner. That surely will either retain most of the smaller dust and dirt particles only to release them over time as the last remnants of the solvent are evaporated and/or partially solubize the crusty adhered stuff so it can be liberated later.

Dust it off and blow through each opening with compressed air. If it makes you feel better remove the slotted plugs and blow directly in the passages. Just make sure that the plugs are tight when finished.

When confident that potential offending particles have been removed install the carburetor and see how it performs. If it performs well, sit down and enjoy a libation. If not try another one. In over 20 years rebuilding carburetors I have learned that mechanically removing adhering crud is far more effective than soaking in a tub or can of "cleaner". If you have a sonic cleaner with sufficient power a 30 minute bath in Dawn water is okay. Cycles of drying and small squirts of an aerosol "carburetor cleaner" have proven to loosen and remove some crud.

Thanks, Chipper! Getting closer to installing the engine in the Sedan Delivery. Thought I'd check with you guys on the carb situation before installing it. Wasn't sure how easily all those little openings in the carburetor body and brass fittings get clogged up.

I have found remnants of bugs in passages that defy logic as to how they got there? Needless they did get there and plugged up passages.