Test engine run sucessful..sort of..

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 4:21 pm

Well gang after 3 years I put the fuel and power to the mighty Dodge 230 today and after alot of coaxing she fired up. But first I went through about 50 minutes of "almost". She kept wanting to catch, but I couldn't figure out if I was getting too much fuel or not enough. Or was it the timing? I found myself getting frustrated trying to work the throttle, choke, starter (I have a bruise on my right palm from engaging the lever numerous times), and making sure my rigged fuel supply didn't spill. Then my carb started leaking. So I pulled the carb and checked the needle, seat, and float level. The float seemed high so I reset it and then I wasn't getting enough fuel. It would barley run with the choke on. So now the mind games kicked in. I had the whole engine apart? What if something else was the cause?
I figured I would put my spare, as-is carb on to start my process of elimination.. She fired right up and ran strong for about 10 minutes. The neighbors cheered. Although I could not throttle the engine up past about 1000 rpm, it would fall off and die. She seemed to be running lean. The carb I put on was sitting for about 6 years. Accelerator pump is probably junk. The carb I rebuilt is obviously not working. So I am debating whether to attempt another rebuild on my own, have somebody else do it, or by a re-man?

knattrass · Post by **knattrass** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:20 am

Been there, done that. I was trapped having to spray solvent in the basement (winter) and try to rebuild or send it. I posted the results from Jim Wallace in Fla. For $195, you get what you pay for - a top notch "new" carb - included return shipping. Great guy, great job. The only issue I had was that the intake elbow studs were too short to connect my fording bracket. Jim sent me 3 longer studs in the mail - no problem.

knattrass · Post by **knattrass** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:24 am

I forgot the contact info:

Jim Wallace
7601 Wilshire Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32526

(850)944-5977

email: <jwallace.gulf@earthlink.net>

He is on my short M-List like Charles, John@MWM, Sid Beck, Mona@NewLife, Tony@T&N

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:52 am

Thanks for the info Knattrass. I think it is worth having it done. I am no ETW1 carb expert. I have done Holley's and Thermo-Quads with no problems. Does this mean my first M37 carb rebuild attempt would be flawless? I have found during this project (as with home repiars)that I need to decide what I can handle by myself and what is best left to others. I sometimes waste 10 hrs to save 2 cents and my ego

Gerry · Post by **Gerry** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:38 am

Jim Wallace did my M38 carb with great results.

knattrass · Post by **knattrass** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:52 am

If you can do it this good, then I'd say let 'er rip.....

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:29 am

That's one beautiful carb. I contacted Jim. Thanks again!