Replacing the Carburetor on a F-Head

I have read through the forums using the search function, and I am seeing a lot of posts on problems with the Carb.

Since getting my 1960 Willys I have rebuilt the carb twice and it currently is not running well. It is an original YF Carb, and have bought basic rebuild kits. I am no professional, a backyard mechanic and I may be doing something wrong. The first time it was full of mud, dirty dirty dirty. I cleaned it and it ran fine for a while. The second time it ran fine right away but quickly started to run rough.

I have replaced the entire fuel system minus the fuel pump. New lines, new filter, new tank.

I am getting so annoyed that I am thinking of spending the money to get a fully assembled carb on 4wd.com. Like this one.

https://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Engine-Per...spx?t_c=74&t_s=550&t_pt=3445&t_pn=CROJ0923808

Anyhow, my questions are these.

1. Should I ditch the original? And if so, which one is the best on the market to replace it?
2. Should I have a pro rebuild the original carb? Worth the investment?

 

Hi,

I'm far from an expert - and I never had a jeep with a Carter YF Carb so I can't compare. Others on this forum have experience with both Carter and Solex.

I found the quality of the Solex variable. I now have a good one, the last one was poorly assembled (flooded), casting was rough and the thread of the adjustment screw wasn't cut properly (main reason for returning it). If you order one make sure you can return it easily in case you end up with a bad one.

Most people will tell you that the Solex run rich and I concur with that statement.

Hope this help

 

The Carter YF was used on many vehicles.

You need a kit that includes the correct parts specific to the JEEP application - such as the reduced orifice float valve and rough-service needle. AND those different parts also require different settings for float heights, etc. A generic kit may lack those things or give wrong data. Search the archive here for in depth specifics. There is a good summary at the CJ3B site.

People may post about 'problems' but properly set up the YF works fine - unless the throttle shaft bores are so worn out that it leaks air.

 

"The second time it ran fine right away but quickly started to run rough."

Can you define "quickly"?
If it started and ran good, but then ran rough as the engine warmed up, it sounds like your fuel mixture is too rich.

 

Threre is a new member here, scoutpilot, that seems to know about these carburetors. He has been on the CJ2A page for years and from what I've read, he seems to know what's going on with them.

 

Thanks everyone. This is very helpful. I have a feeling it needs to be adjusted, and that might be the problem. I also think a contributing problem is the generic rebuild kit I bought. Last one I got was through O-Reilly Auto Parts, maybe I should get it through 4wd like I did the first time.

 

On my Hurricane I have now a solex. before it was an other one, BUT it was not fixed properly on the engine = 1st point to check!

Then it must be cleaned well, filters, check the accelerator pump.

If the spark plug is correctly positioned, your engine must turn perfectly. Just adjust the carb well, it is obvious.

It took time for me, but my engine works, starts perfectly, I am myself surprised... (until tomorrow).

This is to say that it is possible, these 4 cyl engines are strong and easy to run, they just need to be fixed well.

Maybe it is better to see a specialist than to buy a carb, he will check ignition, fuel pump, and fix your carb.

The air intake is to take in consideration too. And maybe quality of fuel, valves, you can add an additive, maybe.

Just to say that these engines are wonderful, but all must be fixed correctly and this is OK.

Also check the spark plugs, when hot maybe not good.

 

I replaced my original YF carb, which was sucking air through the throttle shaft, with yet another Carter YF, trying to keep her original. Mounted correctly along with the proper point gap and timing, she runs like new. The original fuel pump (with the glass bowl) along with a fuel filter between that & the carb is all I have. when working with the internals of a YF carb, you will get educated on floats, needle valves, fuel to air mixtures, vacuum pressures, fuel pressures, carb kits (I use the master rebuild kits - there are more parts in them), ,,, I've done everything from the gauges & fuel sending unit to the fuel pump and carb rebuild. My carb was just plain 'ol wore out with timing set at 42 degrees BTDC in order to compensate which in turn, burnt an exhaust valve....Yeah, she was in bad shape, but ran anyway...If I can be of any help, let me know....

 

There was a place mentioned here before and highly recommended, is this it? http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/

 

Looking at their website it appears they no longer do rebuilds, and kinda looks like they may just be selling kits only. So, a little more Googling found me this place, I've emailed them about rebuilding a YF-938SD for me. http://www.carburetorusa.com/default.htm

 

OK, just got an email reply - a rebuild on a YF is $139 with a 6mo warranty, $209 with a lifetime warranty. No idea what the difference in rebuilds is.

 

Probably no difference - I'm guessing you just pay more for extended support.