How does one get a 97 to NOT LEAK

FAWK FAWK FAWK

I've got 6) rebuilt 97's an everyone of them leaks ( only using 3 on the coupe )


Running 2PSI at the log and they still leak... I was just about ready to throw down for some new 97's ( not speedy bills ) and i ran into a few guys that say they bought new 97's and they leak...

Seems like every ride I see, there is some "leakage" on the intake and it's almost unavoidable.


advise?

 

Sure. Buy some decent carburetors. There's a reason that 97s haven't been used on new cars in over 60 years.

 

Make sure your floats are adjusted right, and file the tops and the top of the main bodies. The new 97 people's gaskets are good and thick... which helps things alot.

 

Three 97's, for sure two of 'em will leak.

 

When I rebuilt a pair of them for my flatty I put a piece of fine grit sand paper on a piece of gl*** and ran all the mating surfaces over it until they looked nice and smooth. Also, I'm running the plastic (or whatever they're made of) bowl plug washers that Vintage Speed sells. I read in the archives here that they make a world difference. Mine still leak a little but nothing like I've seen on alot of them.

Also, I used Eastwoods "carb renew" paint that comes in a rattlecan. It's held up great and most of the gas leaks/stains wipe right off.

 

Don't they need the inlet pressure regulated down to something like 3 psi?

 

Hehehe...the price for running Strombergs...if you never want to open them up again, go to Napa and get a bottle of Indian Head Gasket Sealer...coat everything in that noxious brown goo, ***emble and wait a a day or two (preferably two) and then try em again...the filing/sanding will help too...good luck...

 

Leaky 97's are traditional....if the car runs good and are not pouring fuel out of 'em....run 'em.
Mine "seep" around the jet plugs.....and the throttle shafts, but not enough to cause concern.

 

No chit

 

My old time friends call 97s zippos or fire starters. Especially if you run two and a generator in the stock location. You sure don't want them leaking into the armature. On any cast part it is good practice to use wet or dry sand paper on a thick piece of gl*** and lap the mating surfaces as stated above in another post. The new style gaskets from Vintage Speed are an improvement and these old carbs can be made to seal up just takes a lot of effort. The FOGGER

 

Seepage is normal on carbs (at the gaskets)
Leaking / dripping lots of fuel is another matter. Need more info.

 

They don't leak, they "vent".

 

The way you get them to stop leaking, is to run out of gas......

 

I'll post PICS of the "leakage" after a 30 minute ride and you guys can tell me if it's normal...

 

I had an interesting chat with an aircraft mechanic one time about this kind of thing, he also flattened the mating surfaces, but used a piece of silk thread instead of gasket material. I'm not brave enough to give it a go, but I thought I would p*** it along.

 

Exactly what I thought when I saw the thread pop up and this guys response. Thanks boss lol.-Weeks

 

I don't understand the problem? The fire always goes out about 50.

 

I have done this with great success, along with gaskacinch and laping the mating surfaces.

 

Yeah........and while you are at it get some radials and replace that outdated suspension with a Camaro clip.

 

Only the middle one leaks on my roadster....guess its 'cause I got the other two blocked off...

 

I rebuilt two 97s for our HAMB Dragster following the recommendations I found here on the HAMB and I haven't had any problems. I straightened the tops as much as possible with a hammer and block, the filed them. Put a good Holley regulator on and have been good to go.

 

Filing the tops flat helps. I ran Gross jet's instead of a stock needle valves at the floats and that helped too. I did a bunch of tweaking. Firing up the engine with the tops off is sort of disturbing, and probably dangerous but you can see what is going on realtime. DO NOT DRIVE with the tops off!

 

97 leaks create carb & intake patina.
That's traditional.

 

Don't worry, they're just marking their territory (didnt read the whole post, anyone beat me to it?)

Can't speak to 97s specifically, but my 94s leak. Gasket surfaces were machined flat, float level set, gasket appropriately installed, the whole bit. They were leak free just long enough for me to brag to my buddys that I "had the worlds only set of leak free 94s" and then they "commenced to leakin". Oh well, my leakin 94s are half as fast as my AFB, but 10 times as cool! Buy yourself a fire extinguisher and forget about it.

 

I asked my old man many years ago with my first flathead and 97's how to stop the leaks - he suggested leaving the fuel out, then they don't leak. sort of like an English engine - can't leak if it's empty.

 

Gee, now I am worried. 3 97s atop my 322 Buick and they have never leaked at all. Guess next time I start the motor I will have a flood................

 

I thought that Stromberg's were designed to leak.

 

I tell my customers that I guarantee no leaks unless you want them for authenticity - . The basis for this guarantee comes from truing the airhorn/body mating surfaces, spotfacing all bowlplug & fuel inlet gasket surfaces, correct float setting & fuel pressure and the use of modern nitrile cellulose gaskets with small amounts of Hylomar on inlet & floatpin threads. Contrary to popular belief, these carbs can be leak-proof!

 

I would check your float adjustment and make sure your needle valve is closing properly, and not letting the bowl fill up with to much fuel.