Post by oilleaker1 on Aug 30, 2023 4:57:48 GMT -5
Just another tidbit about Holley 1904's. If you have an old Scout, that's what they ran. Ford Thunderbirds and others too. When they work, they work great. They are like any other carb, not happy with alcohol fuel or dirt/tank rust. A pre-filter is a must. The gasket surfaces are vertical. They are very prone to leaking. Most of the previous owners would tighten the float bowl cover screws to death and warp the carb body. You can sometimes fix them by heating them gently with a propane torch and squeezing the body against a flat plate in a big bench vice. Or ruin them----LOL. I've done all. Yesterday I went for a Scout drive and discovered gas pooled under the carb on the intake. My first instinct was to tighten the bowl. Then I remembered the advice to take a good look first with the air cleaner removed and a light and mirror. Sure enough, fuel was running from the fuel line inlet along the bowl gasket and dripping down. It looked like the thing was overflowing at the throttle body etc. The inlet brass needle and seat have two fiber washers. One inside, one outside. when the vehicle sits for a while, both will dry out and get loose. All it took was a slight tweak (tightening) and it all dried up. Never touched any of the bowl screws. So, if you run one of these carbs pay attention and carry a fire extinguisher always. Mine is next to the driver's side seat.
