CArb Blues

[Pete Ford]

After i bot my gw 2 years ago i had a mech tell me my carb could not be fixed thru adjustment and i'd have to replace it. He sold me a rebuilt Motorcraft 2150 for $395. [I guess he say me coming] It operated poorly (stalling and constant gas spell) I took it back 3 times and he finally sent it back for another rebuilt.

The second rebuilt is just slightly better. The gas smell is still strong and i get 7 mile to the gallon.

Now I've failed the state emmission test.

I'm so done dealing with the mechanic!! I 've been reading the Hayes Manual and I'm ready to take action myself.
So my question is should I follow the manual instructions and try to check and adjust the rebuilt or just buy a new carb at less than 1/2 the original price.
And if I do take that step should I upgrade?
From reading the board and seeing the frequent references to motorcrap I'd bet that you'll all say yes. So can you point me in the right directon and hopefully it's not too costly as i've already sunk big$$$ in this beast.

[badaboom]

You can always try small claims court if you are not really satisfied with the product or service and feel that you are really getting hosed.

Good luck on your Carbo adventure !!

[joe]

I would not buy a rebuilt carb from the discount chain stores(Autozone, Pep Boys etc not even Napa) which is prolly what your mechanic installed. Most of those are Mexican dip-n-shine rebuilds and most are junk. The 2150 is actually a pretty good carb and will last a long time when in good shape and tuned correctly. If you or the mechanic ever had a backfire through the carb odds are the power valve is now blown. First look and make sure ALL your vacuum lines are in good shape and hooked up correctly. If you've got a vac leak or in a $0.50 hose you'll never get the best carb in the world to run right. Same goes for if the ignition system is out of tune.
I would buy a rebuild kit (w/powervalve) for about $40 and go through it and setting everything to spec. Make sure your float isn't sinking also. If in doubt buy a new float too. There's a good write-up in the tech section of this site regarding the 2150. Option B would be to have a pro carb shop go through it. It'd be about $150 even if they have to bore and bush the holes for the throttle plate rod. You might also check into the carb rebuilders that are online for getting yours rebuilt or buying another rebuilt one. Most of those places rebuild them themselves in-house and are bench tested...just stay away from the mass production rebuilds from the discount chains. If you've always wanted a 4V it might be time to consider that option but it's not the cheapest nor easiest route and may not even be an option depending on your smog laws. I'd gamble another $40 on the carb, rebuild it and see where you're at then.

[Pete Ford]

Thanks Joe.

I might might shoot you a couple of questions later in the week.