Classic/Antique Car Repair: The carb. is a Stromberg EE-16 which may have been rebuilt., hemmings motor news, kanter auto products


Question
QUESTION:  Benjamin has been responding to questions on a  40 Packard with a Stromberg EE-16, carb which may have been rebuilt. He seems to be maxed out now but maybe you can help me now.
The inlet needle valve sticks when the float rises to close off fuel flow from the pump. The car idles till the fuel in the bowl drops but the non brass point of the needle valve will not open. Normal Fuel pressure is only around 4 psi so it should open easily. I have been told the point is some material that is affected by ethanol, which I can believe. Can I buy this part separatly with new ethanol resistive material?

ANSWER: I hate to step into the middle of a problem when another expert has been involved. Not good etiquette. But I do have one question. Are you sure that the needle valve is sticking or is it possible that the float is off center and hanging in the bowl?
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There are a lot of "tap" marks on the casting indicating some one thought the float was sticking but the float drops smoothly as the fuel is used. With the carb off, I can blow on the feed line (once the float has seated the needle valve ) and I cannot open the valve. I am putting well over 4 psi on the line.

Answer
At this point I would certainly replace the needle and seat. Probably trying to find a metal needle and seat rather than the viton, although I have not had problems with the viton seats in either of my old chariots. It is possible that whoever rebuilt the carburetor did not remove the seat when using cleaning solvent and softened the seat or tip damaging it making it stick. Kanter Auto Products sells kits as do several other advertisers in Hemmings Motor News. Good Luck.
Brad