When you work on multiple engines for dyno testing and other automotive adventures, carburetors can often end up sitting around in storage for long periods before they are once again called on to perform. We’ve had problems with some of our Holley carburetors that were generally caused by fuel remaining in the float bowl that eventually evaporates. In one case, the accelerator pump diaphragm became brittle and cracked and started leaking. In another case, the power valve diaphragm failed, and in a third case, the O-ring sealing the needle and seat to the bowl shriveled up and started leaking.
When it comes time to store your car for the winter or to store the carburetor on the shelf, we recommend draining the float bowl by removing one of the lower bowl screws. With the fuel removed, replace the bowl screw and shoot WD-40 with a nozzle into the vent tube for both primary and secondary bowls. The WD40 will absorb any water in the bowl and will also coat the materials in the bowl. Pumping the accelerator pump a few times will help lube the accelerator pump diaphragm and extend the life of the power valve as well.
When you work on multiple engines for dyno testing and other automotive adventures, carburetors can often end up sitting around in storage for long periods before they are once again called on to perform. We’ve had problems with some of our Holley carburetors that were generally caused by fuel remaining in the float bowl that eventually evaporates. In one case, the accelerator pump diaphragm became brittle and cracked and started leaking. In another case, the power valve diaphragm failed, and in a third case, the O-ring sealing the needle and seat to the bowl shriveled up and started leaking.
When it comes time to store your car for the winter or to store the carburetor on the shelf, we recommend draining the float bowl by removing one of the lower bowl screws. With the fuel removed, replace the bowl screw and shoot WD-40 with a nozzle into the vent tube for both primary and secondary bowls. The WD40 will absorb any water in the bowl and will also coat the materials in the bowl. Pumping the accelerator pump a few times will help lube the accelerator pump diaphragm and extend the life of the power valve as well.
