Was giving the wagon an oil change and doing some general tune up tinkering, enjoying the 60+ degree Saturday last weekend (it was 12 the Wednesday before lol). I was pulling plugs to check color/condition, and my eye saw something that wasn't right.

The inside front carb nut appeared visually loose. Upon investigation, the stud was backing out of the manifold. Upon further investigation, only one of the 4 was tight. This had occurred since the last oil change (3000 miles), as I generally check them at oil changes and tune ups.

Pulled the carb off, and Loc Tited the studs into the manifold, and then the nuts to the studs. I've never had them back off like that in my 20+ years turning wrenches. This is my first carbed 4 cylinder, so idk if that has something to do with it (extra vibes maybe???).

Anyway, just a head's up bit of info, and advice. Always Loc Tite your carb fasteners.

jeremysdad

Yeah I wouldn't do the nuts maybe......... ...but studs yes. I've seen the problem a time or two as well on mine.

Fours vibrate more than V-8s in certain ways, there is an inherent vibration that cannot be taken out by simple balancing and only resolved with balance shafts. Bigger the engine the more it does it. The carb being out on manifold gets even more by lever extension and working the throttle loosens carb at base too. The thick compressible gasket adds even more compromise.

Hmmm, learn something new all the time, guess I'll have to keep an eye on mine. I hate those thick compression gaskets too easy to bend an ear on the carb, I don't know where the one on mine came from(it was on there)but it has captive sleeves so you can't over tighten the carb, but once I change mine over I'll be eliminating it all together.