New here, Carb? question/problem

oldhippie

oldhippie

Junior Member
Hi all! Just joined as I recently got a '28 huckster/milk wagon. Bought it not running. Got the ignition system and carb leak sorted so it now starts. Does not keep running no matter choke, idle or throttle setting? It will start fine and idle or run on throttle for 30 seconds or so then die. Like it just runs out of fuel? Will start right back up and do the same thing. I can mess around with the choke and throttle and keep it running longer, but not much longer without a lot of playing. Good fuel flow out of tank to carb. I'm thinking the float valve is mostly plugged. At least that is my next step... Thanks for any help!
Here is a bigger photo: (removed fuel filter in photo)

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Bob C said:
Welcome, Have you checked the screen in the carburetor fuel inlet??

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, it is clear. And an update; plenty of fuel into float bowl, so not float valve. :confused:

I used to pretty good with carbs back in the day but I know nothing about these old things...
 
Is that an in-line fuel filter i see? Is it new? Maybe it's not allowing enough flow....partially plugged perhaps?

Neat Model A!...Is the front seat a bench?
 
If you are getting fuel into the carb then either the jets are plugged (gets some flow tested ones from runners corner) or there is something wrong in the engine itself. Either valve or timing.

My two cents worth.

Mike
 
1955cj5 said:
Is that an in-line fuel filter i see? Is it new? Maybe it's not allowing enough flow....partially plugged perhaps?

Yes it was clear but
I removed it anyway.

Neat Model A!...Is the front seat a bench?
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes covered wooden bench. Not too bad.
 
Another possible cause. Take the fuel cap off and check to see if it is not a radiator cap. The fuel cap has vents, and the radiator does not, this can cause a vacuum lock, preventing fuel to flow freely into the carb. Try running without any cap on the fuel tank.
 
dave in australia said:
Another possible cause. Take the fuel cap off and check to see if it is not a radiator cap. The fuel cap has vents, and the radiator does not, this can cause a vacuum lock, preventing fuel to flow freely into the carb. Try running without any cap on the fuel tank.
Click to expand...

This was my first thought.

ASAP after the engine stops check for spark at a plug as well.
 
since it starts right back up you will have to do your diagnosis as its dying out. try to richen it with carb cleaner as its dying and see if it picks back up. you can also use an inline spark tester to watch the spark.... i am thinking fuel related or a vacuum leak at the intake...
 
Pull the brass drain plug on the carb and check for fuel flow. Maybe the line is stuck too far past the ferrule at the carb inlet. If so this can block the fuel flow.

Also the jets can be clean inside the carb, but the passages in the casting can be plugged with rust or other junk.
 
as tom mentioned about the fuel line
a real possibility since you removed the fuel filter rig and maybe replaced the line.
it could also be pushed to far on the sediment side also.
 
Since I'm planning to do some speed mods I ordered a lightly used scalded dog intake and 97 carb off ebay rather than mess with the stock carb. Sorry purists. Hope it will work out...
 
Ouch, I think you just lost most of us. Don't forget with a down draft carb and gravity feed, your giong to always remember to shut the gas off because if the float sticks in your 97 carb the engine is where all the gas is going to drain. Good luck ,Frank
 
Yeah, know I'm on the wrong forum for non-stock stuff, sorry. I'm an motorcycle guy so know about shutting the fuel off... Thanks.
 
It is still a Model A. I bet there a lot of members of the Model A Forum that have down draft carbs and stuff like that.

My opinion,

Chris W.
 
Just an update. Got the intake and carb on. Started right up and runs great. Thanks for your interest and help.
 
Terrible update; Got it out running around and all was good until boom, smoke, rattle!! Blew the oil cap off, blowing oil all over under hood and crazy smoke out the exhaust with a petty good rattle/knock. Towed it home... I guess, least is broken ring but more likely broken piston+?? Now what??
 
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