Carb Spacer

Where can I get a phenolic spacer for a single barrel carb? I'm trying to mount a rebuilt carb on my shoebox with a flat 6 but the nuts bottom out on the shoulder of the carb mounting studs. There was previously a stack of 10 or so paper gaskets on there that leaked like mad. Don't want to go that route.

 

using a gasket as a template, make one out of wood.

 

You don't necessarily need a phenolic one, perhaps someone on the forum could machine one up for ya, they're very simple...it's possible there's exhaust flange parts that will work, assuming your single barrel is a 2 bolt flange style...good luck man...

 

Could I use MDF? If so, what should I seal it with?

 

Not MDF. I've used high quality plywood (no voids) and a buddy made one on his mill from a block of oak. Both worked great but I think the plywood is a better choice.

 

Personally, I'd only use non-absorbant materials like Teflon and other forms of plastics that are chemical resistant...or use aluminum...the types of "wood" that are used in professional wood spacers is very expensive composite stuff, and stinks like hell when you cut and drill it...are you having overheating issues, and that's why you want a thermal insulating carb spacer?...

 

Nope, just bottoming out on the shoulder of the carb mounting studs. Thought a spacer would be the cleanest/easiest route. I suppose I could just stack a few washers.

 

maybe use shorter studs?

 

I say either use shorter studs, or if you're scared of a stud breaking off when you try removing them, then just make a spacer out of some 1/4" or 3/8" flat steel or aluminum...I thought you wanted a 1" or larger spacer...

 

Carburetor insulator; one of these. at http://www.fillingstation.com/
<SMALL></SMALL>
<SMALL>Part # FS-106 </SMALL>
<SMALL>2 15/16" Bolt Center 1 11/16" ID
Bolt hole centers are 3.
Center hole is 1-3/4.</SMALL>
<SMALL></SMALL>
<SMALL>Part # FS-238</SMALL>
<SMALL>2 3/4" Bolt Center 1 1/2" ID
Bolt hole centers are 2-3/4.
Center hole size is 1-5/8.</SMALL>

 

Corian works very good also. It is durable and easy to work with.

 

I don't recommend using teflon since it has a high CTE which could cause sealing woes between temperature swings. Although it would probably seal better once warmed up.

I've made them for my stock cars out of rag-based phenolic, using the gasket to reverse-engineer the dimensions. I like the corian idea.

Bob

 

Thanks for the info. I'll have to take some measurements to see if the Ford carb is a match.

 

I've never known Teflon (PTFE) to have any growing or shrinking problems below 250 degrees, I know it does shrink A LOT when it's molded, and don't EVER burn or melt it...you'll get a sickness known as Teflon Flu, pretty much an immediate affliction of flu-like symptoms, complete with muscle soreness, vomiting, dizzyness, etc...it SUCKS...I've been exposed to it more than I ever wanted to through a former job in the molding industry...

 

Tom Langdon has them at Langdonsstovebolt.com Less the 20 bucks.