Need replacement for a Holley 4000

B

Bruce Compton Canada

Senior Member
The teapot Holley on my '54 Merc. is flooding and I'd like to replace it with something more "user friendly". Any suggestions? I'm even considering a two barrel, but would prefer a four. Thanks : Bruce
 
You might look into an adapter that fits the 4 bbl manifold you've got - and allows use of a Holley 4160 type carb. The 390 cfm version is pretty popular with Y-block owners. The distributor for the older engines - pre 1957 had an advance system based on a venturi vacuum signal from the older carb - so you'll also be looking for a '57+ distributor. The newer carbs don't deliver that sort of vacuum signal.

You can get the carb adapter from Speedway in Lincoln, Nebraska and if you source the distributor as a re-built - ask for the one that fits the 1964 F100 292cid pickup.You'll need to keep the distributor drive gear off your current unit - and transfer it to the new(er) distributor. The number of teeth differs on the early engine.
 
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Hi Bruce,

Greenbird56 and Hoosier Hurricane have good suggestions and advice. I just wanted to give you another alternative. I can get your current Holley rebuilt/repaired for you also if you wish. I've been doing carbs since 1968 as a profession until 1984, and then have always done them on the side also. I speciazlize in those difficult 2140 and 4000 Model Holleys. I can send references and pictures of my work if needed. everything is guaranteed and I'm much cheaper than commercial rebuilders/restorers.
I'll also do a minimum spot repair for less money if there is only one specific thing wrong or if that is your wish.
This would avoid the need for a carb adaptor, another carb, distributor, cap, rotor etc.
If interested let me know and we can talk. You would have to ship the carb to me, or I have about three 1954 Mercury cores I can rebuild/restore and send to you.

Sal Cicala (313) 805-0159 sal_cicala@yahoo.com
 
You could also use a small base four barrel of the same era such as a Carter WCFB which came on some Mercury's. Bolts to your stock manifold.
 
Yes, this Carter WCB will work, but it was only used for one year (1956 Mercury 312 only) and would be pretty difficult to find one in rebuildable condition. It does have the the correct vacuum signal for the 1954 distributor though, and would eliminate the need for a later distributor. There would be choke hook up issues on a 1954 engine though.
Small base WCFB's were used on other cars in the early to mid 50's too, but are calibrated for other engines and would have the distrbutor vacuum advance signal issue too. Sal Cicala.
 
I was with Merc dealer in those years , The 4000 was a good carb for street use ( not hi performance) and they can be rebuilt successfuley .The carter used on 312 in 56 was a peace of junk when it was new. I did all the carb work at the dealer. I would stick with the 4000. Bill
 
Thanks guys: I'm now thinking of following your advice and keeping the 4000. I replaced the neoprene needle/seat with a solid steel one and cleaned some crud out of the fuel pump. Actually the diafragm looked O.K. but one valve was damaged. It seems to run fine now, but I can't find any specs on how to set the float level. Thanks for all your input, it just confirms what a great site this is. Cheers : Bruce
 
Bruce, I sent a PM reply your message, but after reading your latest reply on the forum (8/25), it sounds like you may have fixed your problem already. Sal Cicala (313) 805-0159
 
Thanks to Sal and advice from several others, I have finally got my Holley 4000 working right. The biggest problem was that the vacuum operated plunger over the power valve was not getting vacuum. The bushing in the centre of the cover where the hold-down screw enters was in wrong, so the relieved groove in it was actually below the port and the O.D. of the bushing was blocking off the vacuum passage. I knew the carb was running rich and kept lowering the float level to compensate while all along it was the power valve being held open full time. Now that the power valve is allowed to close and the float is set at 1/4", it runs great and I can even feel the secondaries come in. Thanks again guys : Bruce
 
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