A hopeful solution to a '47 problem

F

fairviewfarm

Junior Member
Hi All.
Over the last 2 and 1/2 years I have been chasing a problem with my '47.
I have highlighted the issues and asked for 'help' from you all. I have received lots of good suggestions and followed through on many of them.
The basic issue was the car would start and run on a slow or fast idle, go up and down my 300' driveway. But once out on the road she would go about 300 yards and sputter and stall, sometimes I could restart and she would sputter and buck and I could make it home. Other days I would have a friend bring the tow rope and drag me home.
Through those years of looking for the reason I have worked on electrical and fuel issues. I replaced the gas tank as it was full of rust creating what looked like Jack Daniels in the sediment bowl. I sanded the top of the sediment bowl to make sure it seated, I replaced the fuel pump after it clogged once.
I rebuilt the carb and later took the carb apart and re adjusted the float. I installed an inline fuel filter in the rubber hose on the firewall to visually see if there was junk in the fuel. I blew out the fuel line.
I changed the points, plugs and voltage regulator. There were reasons along the way for each piece of work I did. I even found a voltage drop in one of the battery cables and replaced it.
Nothing of what I did changed the problem. Finally at Hershey I picked up another carb (Holley this time) which had a "rebuilt" stamp on it. None the less I installed a carb kit after cleaning it out, and check the jets and float. After reinstalling it and checking all the gaskets I started it and adjusted it after it warmed up.
Off I went with my friend following me with tow rope in the truck and would you believe it she ran perfectly on the flats, up an incline, foot into the gas and driving slowing as well. Not even a hick up.
I could not be happier. I have my car back.
Now of course I want to go through the original Ford carb and see if I can determine what the issue is.
I wanted to give a follow up on this for those of you who might remember it over the last couple of years and a big thank you for all those who contributed.
And one final question, what do you think the carb issue is before I take it apart??
 
Before you take it apart again, hit the books so you'll know the answers before you find the questions. As carburetors go, the 94 is a very simple one, but yes, there are a few gems of knowledge you should have going in.

I did pull up your profile to discover more history to your problem, and find only a question about an adapter fitting, so your questions and advice given were likely not from the Ford Barn.
 
Carb issues are simple. Gum buildup, needle and/or seat corrosion, misadjustment, sticking butterflies, debris in the fuel covers 95% of what is wrong with them. Disassemble, clean, inspect. Good luck.
 
Adapter fitting? Not sure that was me. Mine is total stock and I have not posted any of the car's issues on anything but Fordbarn.
 
One thing I noticed is you did not mention changing the fuel line from the tank to the firewall. If your tank was that bad perhaps you have rust that grew inside the line and restricts the flow.
 
Another issue maybe the Ignition Resistor. I had one that failed intermittently and drove me nuts for a long time. check my story on The Barn
 
ALSO not mentioned on a "94" but "WEAR" in all the moving parts, especially the butterfly shaft and pulling vacuum around there or loosing fuel pressure around worn parts. A lot of the OP's problems sound awful familiar from my childhood as my Dad experienced a lot of the same issues with our 37, even after carburetor rebuilds AND looking back and gaining first hands on knowledge, I am most assured he was working with worn out carburetors for the most part!!! Loosing vacuum, not being able to get them to balance on the idle screws etc etc!!! THE end result was always a tow rope and a tow vehicle for the return home!!!
 
ford38v8 said:
Before you take it apart again, hit the books so you'll know the answers before you find the questions. As carburetors go, the 94 is a very simple one, but yes, there are a few gems of knowledge you should have going in.

I did pull up your profile to discover more history to your problem, and find only a question about an adapter fitting, so your questions and advice given were likely not from the Ford Barn.
Click to expand...

fairviewfarm said:
Adapter fitting? Not sure that was me. Mine is total stock and I have not posted any of the car's issues on anything but Fordbarn.
Click to expand...


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Re: Model 94 carb issue
Quote:
Originally Posted by fairviewfarm
Seems like I just solved my issue. The Ford carb needs an adapter fitting between the fuel line and carb, and the does not on the Holley carb as the Ford nut on the end of the fuel line threads in directly.


Sorry, that must have been that other guy.
__________________ Alan


I think this guy might have more problems than just with his carburetor.


 
Thanks for those comments that were meant to be helpful.
I had replaced the ballast resistor until changing over to a modern coil that included an internal ballast resistor. This did not change the problem.
After the first rebuilt of the original carb the car drove very well on the back roads and turnpike speeds of 55-60.
I did not replace the fuel line but disconnected it at the fuel tank and blew it out with resulting good pressure. But for a while it had crossed my mind to replace it.
Probably this winter I'll take the carb apart and see what I find. The comment about parts being worn out is probably true and I suppose some carbs may be beyond repair.
We'll see what we find.
Thanks.
 
one thing that I would recommend is document each time you do something. When i was working on my car i marked each item so I did not use the same item twice.
 
Hello fairview.

I can't say what is wrong with your carb but I did tear one down and put it back together and made a video of it. I shared any 94 info I know along the way.

Here's a link:

https://youtu.be/UMiWUQyIkmg

A well respected carb rebuilder told me it was a good video.

Mart.
 
Those carbs are very simple. I would guess that if you had that much sediment or rust in the line that something was clogged. A carb fixed the problem, so the carb was the problem. If you don’t find out why, it may be the problem again.
 
Thanks again for these last comments. I have documented about 13 different attempts along the way.
First carb rebuild, new gas tank and fuel pump and blowing out the gas line occurred way in the beginning and resulted in a smooth running car...for a while. I also installed a see through in line filter in the engine compartment so I could see what was caught in the filter as well as the sediment bowl.
Thanks for the video link, I will check it out.
Along the way I also watched Charlie's Speed Shop video 3 times and even called him in the middle of my issues for some assistance. I added a 'better' washer that he recommended as well as a power valve that says fit correctly.
 
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