Running rich?
 

Hello all,
It's been awhile since I've posted.... Life has a habit of getting in the way LOL

I'm burning through spark plugs every 4 months or so. Now, I know that some of it is going to be because of the type of driving that I do each day (it's your typical stop/start and I live about 3 miles from work). So, the old man isn't getting the run that he needs/deserves..... There is one stretch where the speed limit is about 35 and I might sneak him up to 50 for a minute or two when traffic is good. But that's about it.

Anyway, despite the crappy driving conditions, I would've thought I should be getting more out of the spark plugs?

The fouling that I'm getting is leading me to think I'm running too rich (the plugs are carbonized and dry). Also, when I've got new plugs in I don't need to use the choke at all to start him, even in winter (or what passes for winter over here.... it got down to 45 last night!).

So, I guess my question is how do I confirm if I'm correct in my assumptions? If I am, what's the process to fix the problem? Part of what I'm struggling with is I don't know how to identify what model of carb I'm running, so it's a bit difficult to research what my options are as far as that's concerned.....

For some context, I'm definitely in the learning stages. So I'm likely going to ask a dumb question or 20 along the way.

Thanks!

Re: Running rich?
 

Jmclendon; would post up a photo of what you have under the hood so we can help identify your carburetor.

Re: Running rich?
 

A couple of glamour shots lolhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0ad5559e06.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e867453da0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...98ca99e71e.jpg

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Re: Running rich?
 

You have a Stromberg WW, stock carb for a 305E.

Sounds like the a/f screws are way to far out or that carb is due for a rebuild. By the looks of it there's some fuel seepage from the accelerator pump gasket. Has anything been done to the carb?

Re: Running rich?
 

Thanks for the info! If you don't mind me asking, what's the giveaway that it's a Stromberg WW?

I'm glad it's stock though, because at least I can be confident the shop manual I've got will be of some use.

I'm told it was rebuilt before I bought the truck. But, I can't prove it. The last time I took it into the shop, the mechanic tinkered with it a bit..... I've not been back since (that's a whole saga, but the end result is that I'd prefer to learn and do the work myself from now on).

Re: Running rich?
 

I had a quick Google and found the following manual:
http://www.russellsnewoldparts.com/u...romberg_ww.pdf

Possibly a dumb question, but how important is it to have a manual that's specifically for a 61 GMC? I guess what I'm not sure of is how much variation there would be from one year to the next, and one vehicle type to the next.

Re: Running rich?
 

It looks exactly like the ww that was on my 305e lol

Year specific never hurts and a manual for carbs specs is a must when rebuilding. You'll want things set factory and then you can tinker from there if needed. :ok:

Re: Running rich?
 

[QUOTE=Jmclendon;67564]Thanks for the info! If you don't mind me asking, what's the giveaway that it's a Stromberg WW?

On the back of the carburetor it will normally be cast and say Bendix Stromberg WW:lolsmack2:

Re: Running rich?
 

[QUOTE=bigblockv6;67569]Fair enough LOL Seems like a good excuse to get a decent shop light.

Re: Running rich?
 

Couple simpler things to check to,

Timing....What's your initial set at?

Air filter....that one is pretty small and restrictive....is it full of dust and dirt?

Also check the choke adjustment for the heck of it, may be out of adjustment causing the butterfly to be closed just enough to make the engine run to rich.

Re: Running rich?
 

The filter doesn't look spotless.... But, I don't think it looks too awful? Thoughts? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3454c0dd41.jpg

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Re: Running rich?
 

If the element was originally white I'd say it's time for a new one. lol

I'd still check timing and look into that carb though; the fact you don't need the choke says something. When the engine is hot.....have you ever found it flooded out aka hard to start? Wondering if the needle is worn out enough to allow fuel to bypass.

Re: Running rich?
 

When it's warm, it's first time, every time on starting. Every now and then I've got issues starting from cold. But, that generally only happens once the plugs are nearing the end of their lives.
I'll do some tinkering with the timing and the carb and let you know how I go.....

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Re: Running rich?
 

With the engine running look down the carburetor and see if there is fuel dripping (or streaming) out of the boosters. If there is then the float is too high and it will make the engine run rich. To fix this the float level need to be adjusted.

Re: Running rich?
 

Running rich, no air supply. Get rid of that air cleaner and get a REAL BIG ONE like you are supposed to have. THEN see what happens before adjusting and opening up carb. Rough calculation: With the diameter of that filter and the louvered hood, You have less than 25% air flow volume of what the motor needs. You are, in fact, running with a "choke" on all the time. You could be as low as 10% of required air volume. I can't see the louver gaps. When you get that fixed, you will think you have a dragster. Smokin the tires every take off. :thumbsup: :rowdybeer: Not really

Re: Running rich?
 

Moderately adequate minds think alike lol I'm trying to track down an appropriate housing unit and filter..... Something of a challenge over here.

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Re: Running rich?
 

If you can locate a large air cleaner from a 4bbl V8, there are adapters that will fit your ww 2bbl and I may have one for you:upyes:

Re: Running rich?
 

Not as big as I was wanting, but it fit like a glove and is much improved over the old one (that's it on top).
It drives differently... I think more along the lines of how it's supposed to behave though. I've noticed I can hear the electric fuel pump more now. Would you expect that? Also, my oil pressure appears to be lower. Not sure if that's just a coincidence. But, it's one of those things where because I drive it every day, I'm quite familiar with how it behaves and sounds....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e36ae9ee15.jpg

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Re: Running rich?
 

Shockingly, the local Autobarn had one that fit. Not as big as what I was hoping. But a massive improvement i reckon.....
The first place I went to SuperCheap Auto) acted like I was asking for the holy grail.... Lol

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Re: Running rich?
 

I've not had a chance to check the dwell, timing and carb yet. But, the larger filter definitely seems to be making a difference. In the past, once the oil pressure was up I could just drive off. I've actually got to use a bit of choke to start it. Also, it takes a minute or two to run even enough that I can de-choke (is that a word? Lol) and drive off. I'm thinking this is all positive.
I have noticed the electric fuel pump is making an odd hissing sound now though. Could this be because it's now having to work a bit harder?

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