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Technical Flathead Dual Carb Questions

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ziggster, Nov 13, 2025.

  1. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    So, trying to figure out how to block off the idle mixture circuit. Seems if you turn the idle mixture screws in all the way, you will block off the main idle circuit and not the off-idle or transfer holes which are above the throttle plate and idle circuit holes (see diagram below). I guess you could also add some solder to the hole in the idle tube to block the idle circuit as well. Not sure if that’s a good idea considering the solder could come loose and ****** up other circuits or even somehow get into the intake.
    Not sure how important it would be to have the transfer holes/circuit functioning on a progressive linkage setup considering the second carb would only kick in around the 65% full throttle position of the main carb. I’m guessing that by turning the idle mixture adjustment screws in all the way, the idle circuit is effectively blocked off, but the idle transfer circuit/p***ages would still be open. Soldering shut the idle tube would I ***ume block off both circuits. I’m surprised I can’t find more info on this subject on the interweebs. Going to strip down the remaining carbs today and tomorrow, and check to see how well the throttle plates seal against the Venturi body. If there isn’t a good seal, I’ll then probably bit the bottle and order the new secondary carb base that is guaranteed to seal.

    Idle tube that could be soldered shut to block off both? circuits.

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  2. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

  3. flatout51
    Joined: Jul 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,310

    flatout51
    Member

    Straight linkage and save yourself a headache and find some 97s. You will be better off. Ive tried progressive linkage with 94s and straight linkage with 94s. Blocked off power valves, differnt sized power valves. Finally found some 97s and its a world of difference from setup to driving.
     
    NoSurf likes this.
  4. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Interesting. I’ll give this a try first. I’m trying to be budget minded, and would love some 97s, but the cost is typically $$$. If I can get a good seal on the throttle plates with any of the 94s I have, then that’s the direction I’ll go. I need a rebuild kit, a couple of extended length throttle shafts, and some throttle shaft arms, and I should be good to go for the most part, although I’ll be ordering some other stuff.
    One carb base is practically new after bead blasting a few years back. There is no play in the throttle shaft, but plates need a good cleaning. One of the other bases is pretty crusty, and shaft is seized. The other 94 is working as it should. Nothing seized. I won’t go into detail in any rebuilds in this thread, but might create another thread of the rebuild. I’ll likely rebuild all three of my extra carbs.

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    Last edited: Dec 6, 2025
  5. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Can see light past both plates where the shaft p***es through on the one non-seized carb. Got the other bases soaking in vinegar, and the seized base now has full movement on the the throttle shaft. Haven’t tested it yet for sealing, but came across this HAMB thread on lapping the throttle plates, but not much help in the “how to” dept. Seems thicker throttle plates are required to seal 100%, so a new base specifically built for a secondary carb used in a progressive linkage setup migt be the only way.

    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/throttle-plate-lapping-compound.953538/

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  6. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Looking at my current single carb stk intake and fuel pump, I started wondering how the secondary carb was going to fit. Decided to mock up a carb and a spare full pump/vent ***y on the Edmunds intake just to check. It looks like the second carb will barely clear the pump. I see they rotated the mounting studs on the intake for the pump/vent ***y. Ahhh…

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  7. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Soaked a bunch of parts in vinegar yesterday and today. This one base seals perfectly Even though it’s still crusty a bit. Think I’ll just order new throttle plates with an extended shaft. No play on this shaft.

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    CSPIDY likes this.
  8. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    After even more head scratching, got the list of parts almost done. Will go with the Edmunds air cleaners to match the Edmunds intake if I can confirm they will clear each other. My carb centres are about 5”, but not sure on the max dia. of the Edmunds filters. Going to be about $500 for everything for the dual carb setup and rebuild of one carb, and this is on the cheap with no new secondary base, no fancy SS fuel lines, and no ready-made linkages. The Edmunds cleaners are good chunk though, plus an Edmunds choke brkt. Looking good is not cheap…lol!

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    warbird1 likes this.
  9. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Great vid on comparison of Stromberg 97 vs Holley 94. He’s got progressive linkage with a 3 x 2 setup on his Y block using Holley 94s with the PV blocked off on the outer carbs.

     
  10. Joe H
    Joined: Feb 10, 2008
    Posts: 1,885

    Joe H
    Member

  11. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    For some weird reason, I couldn’t get through to Vintage Speed yesterday. Tried 3 times, and each time I could hear them, but they couldn’t hear me. Got through this morning, but I’m on the road so just asked some questions. He recommended the following based on less than 2,000’ elevation, and having a mild cam or more:

    Primary Carb:

    #51 Jets
    5.5 PV

    Secondary Carb:

    #48 Jets
    Plugged PV

    Will order everything tomorrow.
     
  12. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Had some delays due to other priorities, but finally got around to ordering the stuff this morning. They’re overwhelmed and behind, so not sure when it will ship/arrive but seems it might not be before Christmas. I found this vid, which was really interesting because I had many fuel leaks just before starting it up for the first time a couple months back. It’s weird, because this fitting is not in their catalogue, but I did order it after speaking with them.



    He even sells the fitting on eBay! lol!

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  13. banjorear
    Joined: Jul 30, 2004
    Posts: 4,829

    banjorear
    Member

    Holley 94 cores are very cheap. You should not have to pay more than $20 each. My advice is to find ones with better bases. Those seem to be in really rough shape.
     
    Toms Dogs likes this.
  14. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,029

    Ziggster
    Member

    Bases will clean up fine after bead blasting. The one I’m using now on the engine was in even worse shape IIRC. I think I have 4 spare carbs right now. Paid $20 or $25 for one at Hershey in Oct, and CAN$50 for one locally afterwards. Also, have one off of my second flathead plus another from when I rebuilt first one a few years ago. Getting new jets for both, new extended throttle shafts for both, new PVs for both (secondary will have PV plug), new hex head idle screws for both, and new idle springs for both, plus new throttle plates for the secondary, so essentially all new parts for the base(s).
     

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