Whining noise from my 8BA

Mikes ‘53

Mikes ‘53

Junior Member
Just had my 94 Holley rebuilt and fired up the motor and now I have a terrible whining noise. Sounds like a small jet turbine! Can’t figure out where it’s coming from. Gasket to the intake manifold is new (double-checked that!). Thought it might be my alternator so I took that belt off and it wasn’t that. I’m running out of ideas. If anyone has any suggestions for this novice it would be greatly appreciated!
 
Most likely a vacuum leak in the carb or intake. Spray some WD-40 around the carb and intake while engine running to see if it goes away. Did you install a new carb to intake gasket and snug down the bolts? Also check for any vacuum hose leaks.
 
A common problem with the 94 is a slightly warped surface on the body where it meets the surface of the cast iron base thus creating a vacuum leak. It only takes a slight variation to produce the whine. Usually a result of over tightening the screws. Most always the base should be trued up on a surface plate when rebuilding. I've had the problem and have spent much time trying to locate that obnoxious whine.
 
Would you recommend I take the carb apart and loosen everything up then reassemble on the intake manifold? Not sure how to tackle this. Thanks!
 
I wonder if the rebuilder used the wrong style power valve, and it is preventing the bowl section from seating on the throttle section?
 
Rebuilder used all the correct parts. I bought the rebuild kit and gave it to him. He matched up all the parts as he went and gave me back all the old stuff.
 
But, again, the power valve can be tricky. They look very similar and unless it was modified to work not sure there are off-the-shelf ones that seat correctly.
 
If you have pretty much eliminated a vac leak from the various vac hoses I think it would be wise to remove the carb and take the body off the throttle base. Then place it on a true smooth surface like a pane of glass and check for total contact. If not severe you could true it up with real fine sandpaper on the glass and firmly moving the body mating surface over it . Don't over - do tightening of the screws.
 
Before attacking anything, use a hearing enhancement. Say a wood dowel, a large screw driver, or socket extension. Best though, see if your friendly neighborhood nurse will loan a stethoscope. Best luck.
 
I would first try installing 2 gaskets on the intake manifold under the carb. Snug them down equally. Then follow the other ideas mentioned doing only one change at a time.
 
When I am looking for an intake/vacuum leak, I use a hand held propane torch. Start the engine, and leave it idle. Turn on the torch valve a bit and pass the nozzle close to the base and sides of the carb/manifold and vacuum hose/s. If there is a leak the engine will speed up. Depending on the engine, you may have to use a piece of cardboard to deflect the air from the fan away from the carb when doing the test.
 
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