Mike!! Is my metering block trashed?

Matt G

Matt G

Member
Hey buddy, we seem to be having cell connection issues so I'll try to get hold of you here.

My carb started leaking fuel recently when the vehicle is running. I think I've traced the leak to the upper two (of four) bolts that attach the float bowl to the metering block. Turns out both the bolt holes in the block are partly stripped. I tried tightening all 4 but only the lower two snugged up, the upper two just spin in their holes. I backed one of them all the way out and it had a thin metal corkscrew in between the bolt threads. It looks like a small, 4-coil spring but it's clearly metering block material. See the pic of the coil on top of my black cell phone case for contrast.

The bolts themselves are fine, but the holes obviously got partially stripped out from over tightening.

So do I just need to get a new block?
 

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Matt,
you are probably aiming this @ mr mayben, but I thought I could make a suggestion while he is on a road trip.

A heli-coil or the like would fixer right up. You can get them from 6-32 - xxxx. The block would be best if drilled on at least a drill press( not by hand) and the tap started in the drill press chuck (turn by hand only) to make sure it goes in straight.

Robert
 
I was gonna say the same thing on the heli-coil, also why oh why is there a picture of a cell phone case in your post?
 
That'sa homebrew helicoil sttin' on toppa the case Chad!

I wuz in tha deadcell zone when I tried to call ya back...I'm back home now, just got here.

Helicoil the main body, that is what the screws thread into. Very common issue on all carbs, not just Holley. Pop the metering body away and you will see, the gasket is "stuck" I'm sure.

The size you need is #12-24tpi "machine screw" thread. I don't have that kit here right now, I loaned it to someone in the club but I don't remember who...about a year ago? Ya know how I am!

You can get an entire kit at car quest or my always hated napa. Some of those "house brand" versions of helicoil kits don't have the correct drill bit included so look in the package and make sure it either has one, or buy the correct bit also.

I know you can put that in if you are real careful. But if not, get a kit and bring the main body to monte's place in sheridan tomorrow, I'll be there around 10:30am. See this thread:

http://www.forums.IHPartsAmerica.com/I-h-s-t-o/996-tentative-trask-wheeling-trip-nov-1-2-a.html

And you will know why! I'll have all my carb guapo with me since there May be some work to do around his place. We can do all four locations and be done with it!

If ya need gaskets and all, I just gotta restock on many Holley items from the supplier and put the stuff away yesterday.

Typical price for the helicoil brand kit is around $38 and includes 8>10 inserts. Ya can buy the inserts separately as a refill pak. There is another very similar product sold by some retailers called, "recoil" and comes out of australia...basically the same thing, but a drill bit is not included. Those are normally a few bucks less if ya see those.

Baxters is the closest to ya prolly, they should have the helicoil stuff hanging on the wall.
 
Robert & Chad: thanks for the input. Mike can tell you I'm no technician, and I appreciate the education

Mike, thanks for the call back. Extremely helpful as always! W/o a drill press at home, I'll see if you & I can hook up soon, and if not I'll just find someone local to tap/coil the carb body for me.

Edit: the stop-gap you suggested seems to be working. I drove it tonight with no spillage, so I think I have a good temporary fix. Still needs to be heli-coiled, but I think it's driveable for now. Thanks!
 
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