New to ford 94's and need some help...

timdhawk

Member
I am in the process of learning as much as I can about these, but in the mean time I could use some expert advice. I recently bought a 50 Merc with a 74 302 with 3 2's and a mild cam. 2 of the carbs (on the ends) are ECG 5 ford carbs while I believe the one in the middle is an aftermarket knock-off. All 3 look clean and recently rebuilt.

I just went for my first real drive today and had some issues. I had it floored to go up a hill and couldn't really get over 60-65 mpg, so its definitely underpowered. If I took a left turn hard enough the car would sputter and then die. It did this 3 times. I also noticed some surging while driving. A couple of times while driving there was a very heavy gas smell in the car. When I popped the hood I noticed a fair amount of splatter staining on the fire wall behind the last carb and some obvious fuel moisture on the manifold, but not obvious leak.

The car came out of Indiana and is now in Montana at a 3100 ft. elevation. I'm not even sure what kind of questions to ask at his point or where to even start.


Any input, advice, thoughts on any of this would be a great help to get started.
Thank you
 
It was hard enough back in the day to tune 3 two's, but with the fuel we have today being formulated for fuel injection rather than for carburetors, you've got courage to even want to try. It does sound as if your pretty clean carburetors were set up for looks and not much more.

There are those who can help you a lot more than I can, but a good start would be to determine the size of your main jets, where your float levels are set, the type of linkage you have, and your fuel pressure. If you can get back to us with that info and a couple of pictures, you might get some of that good help.

And pictures of the Merc!
 
After doing all that ford38v8 said Get a uni-sync tool to help you get them baalanced.
Here is one on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/Edelbrock-40...Instrument/dp/B00062YC2E?tag=atomicindus08-20
I am running a pair of 94's and can't imaging getting them equalized without it. Are you running straight or progressive linkage? I have straight linkage and basically run off the rear carb with the front one kicking in as I add pedal. Works for me.
You're going to find that you want each of them running a bit lean because of the overall fuel intake. Sputtering can be either too much or not enough fuel.
If you really want them right send them off to CharlieNY on this forum and have hem go through them. You wont learn much that way, but they will be right. Charlie is a great guy to work with and can answer any questions you may have about these carbs. Enjoy the adventure, Chap.
 
Triple deuces have to be set up properly to work on any motor. If they all have power valves in them, a person needs to know what size they are. The type of linkage is important too. All in at once or progressive type linkage can make a difference. A lot of triple carb set ups use all at once linkage. Engine spark control is also important. Does it have an OEM distributor for some 302 or aftermarket? The small block Ford was around for a long time so there were lots of different parts made to fit different models.
 
"Are you running straight or progressive linkage?"
Progressive linkage. Butterfly's appear to be about 2/3 open when the other two carbs kick in. They look damn near new inside so I know they've been rebuilt. I plan on pulling them off tomorrow and checking jets. All 3 weep gas around the gaskets, and I think my accelerator pump might be leaking, there was a fair bit of gas on the throttle shaft arm.

My fuel pressure is regulated at 4 psi.
My cam is this one: http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=792&sb=2
My coils is a Pertronix Flamethrower.

here are a few pics:

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20180726_151910_zps9t2yc27b.jpg


20180726_152004_zps7r7jwahz.jpg
 
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They have the rubber diaphragm type power valve very similar to later Holley types but the late types don't seat well on most of the early 94 type carbs but can be made to. If they have 7.5 power valves, it will likely be two much on the high end when pulling power and the vacuum drops. 6.5 or smaller may be necessary. You may have to adjust the accelerator pumps to a bit lower setting but with three carbs, you won't be opening the throttles as much as with one carb so it might be OK. These type PVs like to blow out too so some folks opt for the old Stromberg 97s.

Bottom line is that the HAMB has a lot more info about multi carbs than the Ford Barn so you might google "multi Holley 94 carbs" and you can check out all the info. Not that folks don't use them here but your not getting a lot of responses right now.

Just because it looks OK doesn't mean that it is OK. The last owner may have never set it up right for that application.
 
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Start with lowering your fuel pressure to under 3 psi, and then report back.
If that doesn't help change to Grosse type float valves and set each float level precisely to the low end of the specified level.
 
Ok, so I have 55 jets and 7.5 power valve. I have not idea what the jets are on the middle carb (the aftermarket one) since they are not marked anywhere that I can see. They look to be the same size hole however. My mixture screws were 2 full turns out on one, and 4 on the other. (full turns out = until threads came loose and needle could be pulled out).
 
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Sound like those mixture screws are opened too much, also as stated 4# is high for the fuel pressure. On my dual 94's I run between 2-2 1/2 # and as I recall those needles are about 1 1/4 turn. Also as Charley NY advised I have PV's plugged. Runs great, no studder in turns or when I get on it.
I know this will bring responses, but it is my experience, not necessarily the gospel.
Enjoy the adventure, Chap
 
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