Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Would be very interested in what you all think is causing this messy situation underneath my hood. The carb is seeping and I've tightened the 3 upper screws around the corner as tight as I'm comfortable. Normal? Does the fact that I have an electric fuel pump in operation most of the time lead to this?

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Kevin, you can easily check the level of the floats by removing the plugs on the LH side of the carburetor. With the plugs out and the engine idling, you can look in the ports and should see fuel level just below the bottom of the ports. If fuel runs out of the ports (could be either primary or secondary, or both), the float(s) is/are probably too high or the needle and seat valve(s) is/are leaking. I would think that with this much fuel being expelled you would have noticed the engine running rough or flooding. I hope this helps.

(o[]o)

In addition to a high fuel level or incorrect float settings or leaking needle and seat, of course higher than desired fuel pressure from an electric pump could contribute to the problem. Another concern is that overtightening of the cover plate screws will ultimate lead to warpage of the castings and when that occurs the gasket may be unable to provide a seal even against the random surging of fuel due to road motion. Really good rebuilders will check the flatness of the castings and correct them when possible.

After perhaps 10 years and 10,000 miles the exterior of my dual Rochesters are still nearly as pristine as when they were installed. They were rebuilt by Daytona Parts.

Thanks Owen. I have not noted any flooding issues whatsoever and I appreciate the info on Daytona. I have sent them an email and await a quote. I have another 7007230 on the shelf & will mail that off if they aren't outrageously expensive.

Quote:Depends upon your definition. Last ones I had done at Daytona were more than $400 each.

jack vines

I had a carb rebuilt at a place called "Recarbo" in Pittsburg, Ca about 4 years ago. Have had no problems with it. Cost $225. I'm sure price has gone up since then.

Wonder if the ethanol in the newer fuel blends is eating the gaskets if the carbs had a older composition gasket kit in them.

G'day all, fascinating what you learn on this site. I've just reset the float level and drop to factory spec's on the Rochester 4GC on my '56 Patrician, and wondered about how accurate my settings were. Reading about the two screws on the side of the carby that could be removed for inspection purposes gave me the advice I thought I needed. Unfortunately, the '56 4GC doesn't come equipped with these screws, or mine doesn't anyway. I wonder why Packard dropped this useful analytical component (???). Also, before the rebuild my carby was leaking and I suspect it was a combination of a very worn accelerator pump and too high a float level on the secondaries. Regards, John

JP -

Don't blame Packard for removal of those screws, but the supplier, Rochester Products Division of GM. Though convenient, perhaps they considered potential liability if any leaks developed.

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I doubt it was lawyer concerns as much as cost concerns. It probably cost an extra penny or two per carb to provide and machine for the screws. With millions of 4GCs made, that adds up.