| Author |
Message |
    
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 10
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 08:44 pm: | 
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Yesterday I discovered that the cork float in my Model D carbi wasn't floating anymore. I removed the carbi from the engine, removed the float and placed it in a tin of fuel and sure enough it sank.
Looks like I may need a new float but before I go down that route I wonder what you all think of drying the float (what's the best way to do that) and sealing it with PVC glue - the plumbing variety.
David. |
Laurie Derwent
Member
Username: laurie_d
Post Number: 22
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 09:10 pm: |
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David, The traditional way of solving your problem is to thoroughly wash (eg with straight petrol) and dry your float including a good rinse with metho and then let that dry. Then seal it with shellac (available in good hardware stores. I use several coats with several hours between coats.. Note that this will not work if you are using ethanol fuels.
I'm still not sure whether it's best to let the motor run out of fuel or drain the carby if the motor is only being used infrequently. Leaving them dry seems to increase corrosion to me.
The modern approach is to replace the float with a syntheic one (you should be able to track Todd Vidgen's messages on that option) or to coat the float with an epoxy resin. I have also seen them dipped in the synthetic rubber that you can buy for dipping tool handles in etc. but getting a good seal around the screw seemed to be a problem with that. |
quinton wilkinson
Member
Username: qwilkin
Post Number: 5
Registered: 08-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 09:25 pm: |
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Just bought a new float $20 from Blaxland Chapman in Glocester NSW tel no 0265583182, they have spares for all Blaxlands good to talk to as well dont forget new gaskets for the D carb
Quinton |
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 11
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 04:18 pm: |
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Thanks for your advice Laurie and for the phone number Quinton.
I think I'll go with the "modern approach" and see if I can track down a synthetic float. I've left a message for Brett Jacobs in Gloucester and hopefully he'll get back to me soon. Quinton, is your new float traditional cork or synthetic?
David |
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 12
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 05:59 pm: |
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Further to my sinking float.
I just performed another test whereby I tried to float the cork in a deeper bowl of petrol - previously I tried the test in a container that was the approximate size of the carburettor. This time the cork floated but only a few millimeters of the open ends of the horse shoe shape protruded above the surface of the petrol - imaged attached.
Is this considered to be normal, or abnormal and an indication that the float needs to be replaced? Looks to me like that's probably a yes to the latter.
David
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Laurie Derwent
Member
Username: laurie_d
Post Number: 25
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 06:08 pm: |
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David, Unless you have a sinker tied to the bottom of it that float definately needs to be cleaned, dried and treated with either shellac or an epoxy. A 'float' like this should float much higher i.e. about 1/4 of the float above the fuel level. Out of interest, how much is the replacement and does it have the threaded insert for the mounting screw? |
David Myers
Senior Member
Username: dave_myers
Post Number: 82
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 06:30 pm: |
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David, That Float is RS! I use synthetic floats as they are impervious to all the modern fuels.
Give Boyd Myers at Davistown a ring as he supplies these units. 0243692218 or Todd Vidgen 0243631361, Boyds offsider. They will fix all your problems.
Dave |
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 13
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 06:31 pm: |
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Thank you Laurie, I suspected that the float would need to be "water proofed" or a new one purchased. I haven't heard back from Brett at Blaxland Chapman Marine yet so I'm not sure about his replacement float details - perhaps Quinton would know the answer to this. |
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 14
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 06:32 pm: |
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Thanks Dave - shall do.
David |
Todd Vidgen
Senior Member
Username: todd_vidgen
Post Number: 158
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 12:30 am: |
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If you do want a synthetic float ,send the whole carb,as we generally give them an overhaul and clean
Cheers Todd |
Todd Vidgen
Senior Member
Username: todd_vidgen
Post Number: 159
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 12:32 am: |
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PS: actually Ive seen submarines float higher than that float |
quinton wilkinson
Member
Username: qwilkin
Post Number: 7
Registered: 08-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 05:06 pm: |
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David
it is cork but with what seems to be a varnish coat . It fitted perfectly . I have consulted Mr Jacobs many times and hope to visit some time in the future . He was very helpfull. Are you in victoria?? |
David Burr
Member
Username: bathurst
Post Number: 15
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 11:34 pm: |
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I'm in Sydney Quinton and I've just now come back from a very pleasant couple of hours at Davistown talking to Boyd Myers as he fitted a new synthetic float and made some adjustments to my carburettor. I had a most enjoyable morning.
David |
