How tough would it be for someone to rebuild a Rochester 1bbl carb that has never done it before?

Question

I have a good amount of on-hands, basic "driveway" mechanic experience, and have been selling parts for about 6 years now, but have never attempted a carb rebuild. I have the kit and all the parts, and don't want to mess it up. This is an original equipment carb from a 1967 Corvair, and I would like to avoid buying one if possible. Any suggestions on where to find on-line instructions would be welcome also, as I do not really want to invest in a manual, since I will most likely never have to do this again.

Well, taking it apart and noting where all the parts go would be great if it weren't already in pieces. I gave them both to someone I knew last year who assured me he could rebuild them, and he did do one of them, but he was dragging his feet so I just took them back. I would like to rebuild them not only to save some money but also keeping the car as original as possible would be nice. Anyone in the Pittsburgh area interested in buying a 67 Corvair?

Answer 1

Finding rebuild information online for your carburetors, or anywhere else for that matter, may be somewhat difficult. The only car that came from the factory with the Rochester HV was the Corvair. Because of that, and the fact that there were never many 'Vairs produced, info is scarce. But don't be alarmed.

The HV is an extremely simple carburetor to work on with relatively few parts. Any good quality rebuild kit will come with instructions, specifications for float level, choke adjustment, etc, and will have a detailed illustrated parts breakdown. Just make sure you get the right kits. While there was only one style of carb use, there were a few different calibrations based on automatic/manual transmission and California/49 state emissions. Make sure you have the number off the tag or carb body. It'll be seven digits starting with the numbers "70".

Final tip. Before you go to all the trouble of tearing them down, cleaning them and rebuilding them, make sure you check the throttle shafts for looseness. Look at each carb on the side the linkage attaches to. If there is any perceptible movement up and down or side to side on the throttle shaft, get the throttle plates bushed. No matter how well a carb is rebuilt, if the shafts are loose, the resulting vacuum leak will make the engine run like pooh. Any competent machine shop or carb rebuilder can do this for you.

Good luck with your endeavor, and if you would like any other advice do the e-mail thing.

Answer 2

With a carburetor there's a lot to look at once you start rebuilding. Something that old can have worn parts not replaced by the carb kit. Find someone who knows carburetors and let them rebuild it. You'll probably save money or headache in the long run. It can need things repaired beyond the kit. It will still need to be "dialed in" once it's reinstalled on the engine. Why are you rebuilding it in the first place?

Answer 3

Most better auto parts stores carry carb rebuild kits. These kits contain all the parts you'll need as well as detailed instructions. I've done it several times on Hollys, Webers and Rochesters. It's not overly difficult, just requires time and a little patience.

Answer 4

Absolutely!! My dogs do really foul farts, actually every dog i've ever been near that has farted has smelled really bad. Mostly i think they do quiet farts, i've never heard a loud one and i dont think the intensity of smell has anything to do with the size of the dog. I've had a German Sheperd, a Border Collie, a Kelpie, a Maltese, a Shih Tzu and a Dachsund, they all do quiet but smelly farts. Oh, they've all had different diets too. Also I worked for and had been involved with for the RSPCA for 18 years heard many different dogs do their business. Never heard a cat, but i have smelt it! All animals do it, the same as us - if it has a bowel, it'll fart. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

buy the correct kit. remove the carb. take it indoors, after emptying the gas, and place it on a light colored surface. carefully take it apart remembering where everything goes. take pictures if necessary. take the larger parts outside and clean them with a good carb. cleaner. then replace the parts in the kit. keep in mind the kit probably will have parts you don't need. "you can do it".

Answer 6

If you don't want to buy a manual try the library in your city. I always bought Chiltons and Haynes for my cars--some cars I knew I wasn't going to keep (what a waste of $20.00). Then one day I happened by a section in the library--and they have them all. They most likely will have some manual for carb rebuilds too. It is worth a try.

Answer 7

Agree with Maamu.. see if you can find the manual free if this will be your only use.. i've rebuilt 4 barrels in the past and found it to be easier that anticipated.. give it a try.. if it's screwed up already, what do you have to lose?? just keep everything very clean... good luck..

Answer 8

I would invest in the manual. The investment in the manual would pay off as opposed to messing up the job w/o the manual.