I have an all stock '74 with a 2.3L and an auto. The carb is..... not healthy. I want to keep the car as original as practical. Is there a good rebuild solution for the stock carb, or is a different intake manifold and a holly required to get it running well? Here is a pic of the bay as it sits.
(http://homepage.mac.com/spsam/pintobay.jpg)
The 5200 is a good carb and easy to work on. Get a rebuild kit and some good carb cleaner and rebuild what you have. You can put a Holley on it but you will have to make some mods. I would keep what you have and keep it all original. My .02. :)
Thanks. I haven't taken it apart and don't have manuals yet. You guys have a good source online or off for the rebuild kits? Overhaul manuals? I come from an aviation maintenance background, so I'm used to having manuals for everything...
NAPA is a good source and they come with very detailed instructions as well as an exploded veiw.
You can get rebuild kits fo rthe carb at almost any parts store. It comes with the needed exploded views and specs inside!!
The problems I have with mine is that the economiser (power) valve vacuum port becomes clogged quite often, due to the evaporating fuel in the bowl getting up and into it. I have drilled and tapped a port into it for easy and painless cleaning.
Otherwise, a very reliable carburetor. Keep it of you can.
Just curious, what are the side effects of a clogged power valve?
Sorry I didn't get back here sooner!!! I obviously need to read this stuff more often...
Anyway, a clogged power valve vacuum port will give you very serious hesitation on acceleration. It will feel like you need to really step on it to get moving, then it will finally kick in. Also, your fuel mileage will suffer quite a bit, as it will be running rich all the time. BTW: All carburetors will always fail to the rich side of operation. This is only one instance as to why that is true.
Without the proper vacuum to hold the valve CLOSED, (in the up postition) it will stay open. There is a spring that makes it a fail-open valve. This will allow fuel to flow from the bottom of the bowl... all the time. The idea of this valve is to open upon vacuum drop (as in acceleration!) to give the engine more fuel under high demand conditions only!
If you look into the bowl of your disassembled carb, you'll see the power valve (also known as the "economizer" valve) threaded into the bottom of the bowl. The vacuum-actuated plunger then drops down onto the valve, opening it in a progressive manner.
I hope this answers your question!! :smile:
Thank you mike!
Now, where is this power valve vacuum port and how do I clean it out?