Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I'm in the process of rebuilding a WDO 643SA and having a heck of a time trying to locate the little brass strainers that go in the carb. One of them was still there (30-14, Bowl cover strainer), and I was able to find 30-23 on eBay. The other two (30-34, pump strainer and 30-61, switch strainer) have completely eluded me. I've called our usual vendors, as well as some vintage carburetor businesses/rebuilder, and none have them.

Do the strainers appreciably change anything about the performance of the carburetor? I guess they're only there to prevent particles of a certain size from entering certain circuits in the carburetor, but I wasn't sure there was more to it than that. If they do affect the performance, does anyone out there have a source for these little strainers? Thanks!

Attach file:

---

  WDO Strainers.jpg (51.84 KB)

They are usually made of fine brass screen. That can be purchased in bulk from McMaster-Carr and hand-cut to size and shape easily.
They are for exactly the function you describe, to filter out chunks of debris that would prevent the debris from hindering flow in passages, or jam up needle and seat operations.

This is the finest mesh they have:mcmaster.com/9241T66/

Thanks, guys! That's exactly what I ended up doing. For any inquiring minds in the future, in the WD-O 643S:

- the fuel bowl strainer is an open-ended cylinder with a diameter of 7/16" and 7/8" long
- the accelerator pump strainer is a flat 5/8" disc with three little notches
The starter switch strainer is a 7/16" disc with a rim around the outside. There are actually numerous vendors on eBay that sell 11mm strainers that are very similar in design.
- the choke housing is strainer is surprisingly available from numerous vendors

New stuff on the way. Should be a pretty nice carb when all's said and done. Thanks, all!