The Ford Barn

38 coupe · 08-02-2024, 05:37 AM

Instead of running the engine with the tops off try leaving the transmission in neutral, ignition off, and cranking the starter to run the fuel pump. If you have an electric pump you can just turn that on. If fuel spills you have nothing electrical going on to make life exciting. With your freshly rebuilt motor you might want to pull the spark plugs so the starter is not working as hard and the engine spins faster if doing the starter method.

I did the top off and crank with the starter method on a 37 sedan years ago and discovered that the modern fuel needs to have the float set about 1/4" lower than factory specification to get the fuel level correct. I now do this for all carburetors I go through.

I do not like the idea of making the carburetor correct for only ethanol free gas (factory float setting), I can't count on finding ethanol-free on my travels. I can count on finding modern gas that is less dense and will overrun factory float settings. I adjust my floats down for the modern gas and drive many miles with no drama.

08-02-2024, 05:37 AM	#12
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,135	Re: Gas leaking from both carbs Instead of running the engine with the tops off try leaving the transmission in neutral, ignition off, and cranking the starter to run the fuel pump. If you have an electric pump you can just turn that on. If fuel spills you have nothing electrical going on to make life exciting. With your freshly rebuilt motor you might want to pull the spark plugs so the starter is not working as hard and the engine spins faster if doing the starter method. I did the top off and crank with the starter method on a 37 sedan years ago and discovered that the modern fuel needs to have the float set about 1/4" lower than factory specification to get the fuel level correct. I now do this for all carburetors I go through. I do not like the idea of making the carburetor correct for only ethanol free gas (factory float setting), I can't count on finding ethanol-free on my travels. I can count on finding modern gas that is less dense and will overrun factory float settings. I adjust my floats down for the modern gas and drive many miles with no drama.