I'm going through the two 94s on endlessearth's flathead, and I ran into a question that I never have asked my self... The carbs have a grosse jet type inlet, and they were working just fine when I pulled them apart. They also looked like they were fairly new. (the real purpose of this deal is much lighter power valves and float height check, plus the accelerator pump shaft seals were leaking.) The kit comes with new, traditional, needle and seats to install if I want. I have always been told that the grosse jet type is superior to the standard needle and seat when it is available. I just never knew why, and doing a quick search revealed conflicting opinions. So I'm asking you carb guys, given the choice, which would you prefer? I don't want to change for the sake of new, ya know?
I've heard they can have leakage issues caused by harmonic vibrations, but other than that they are supposed to last forever. Leave them in, but don't toss the new ones?
I like 'em. Have used several with out issues. Have also had very few problems with the needle and seat set up. I am, however picky about what needle and seat I use.
I ran two 97's on my flathead and used the Grose Jets.......never a problem....no flooding, no sticking........GJ gets my vote.....you won't be sorry... CB
I just walked back in from the shop and while I was out I noticed that the new needle and seats in the kits were rubber tipped... I think I'm stickin' with the grosse jets. We have had ethynol in our gas for about 15 years now and sometimes it just doesn't like soft stuff. This is for a customer so I want bullet proof so Grant can drive it like a rental car! Thanks gang!
I have had a couple of needle and seat units not work straight from the kit; cheep china ones don't use alcohol friendly rubber.
I would attempt to answer your question with two questions. Which of the carburetor manufacturers (Carter, Holley, Rochester, Stromberg, Zenith) or the newer (edelbrock and Demon) ever used a Grosse-Jet as original equipment for street, marine, off-road or racing? Why? Jon.
The rubber 94 tips I have seen lately stick shut right on installation, no exposure to anything. From blowing through them I think the pump would take a while to pop them open again...I lightly refurbished the steel originals (tap, tap, tap!) and puttembackin. I suspect this is from bad parts made for oddball kits...I have used rubber tips (Standard and Echlin) for then relatively modern '60's and '70's carbs in the past with no problems.
I'm glad this popped back up, 'cause now I don't have to hunt it back down. It seems the grosse jets made the decision for me this morning while putting stuff back together... I noticed yesterday that it took a bit more oooommpfff to undo the gross jet than I thought it should. No big deal, just wondered why someone would tighten it that much. Put it back in this morning, gave it a snug, and the whole top of the jet fell off in my hand! The last ham-handed install obviously was tight enough to crack the jet right at the base where the threads start.... Needles and seats it is!
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