1954 Carter YH carbs leak

[rich edmonson]

I'm puzzled-the carbs on my '54 dump gas out the throats no matter what I do. I've replaced the needles and seats, diaphragms, played around with float levels, etc. and can't see anything wrong. Then start the thing and gas runs out the intake. What's going on???

[Roy B.]

Re: 1954 Carter YH carbs leak

Check float level again or replace the needle set with the Corvair Turbo kit that has a needle with a rubber tip and inner spring. I wrote about those many years ago to use the Corvair turbo kit to stop Carb leakage.

[rich edmonson]

Re: 1954 Carter YH carbs leak

Thanks Roy, I installed the viton tipped needles and set the floats according to the Corvette service bulletin for '54 and then to the specs in the Corvair kit (practically identical), still has a massive gas leak. The odd thing is, it doesn't leak out the bowl vent at all, just out the carb throat. I also replaced the diaphragms. Now I guess i'll put a pressure gauge on the fuel pump and see what's going on there. Any other thoughts?

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 Carter YH carbs leak

as roy stated, you need the springs to assist seating of the needle. don't know about the corvair carb kit, but Carter carb repair kits have or had the assist springs in the kit. solved my similar problem years ago. mike

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1954 Carter YH carbs leak

Rich..I think if you research the archives you will find some additional comments on leaky YH carbs.

I had the same problem years ago after rebuiding the carbs on my 54. The rebuild kit did include rubber tip needle seats.

I can't remember that I eliminated the leak entirely..but seems to me that the vacuum level played a part.

I remember borrowing a vacuum gauge and checking the vacuum at each carb throat. My leak also seemed to improve as the engine warmed up. I remember being told to add a shim to the left side motor mount..but that never seemed right to me.

Let us know what you accomplish.

Joe Trybulec