QuestionI'm feeling pretty stupid. Been restoring cars and building engines for 40+ years. But, I just did an overhaul on a Motorcraft 2bbl on a Ford 289. It has a high-pitched whistle now. I've taken it back off and checked my work twice. There aren't any vacuum hoses off. The vacuum line to the distributor is not leaking, etc. I've rebuilt Quadrajets, Holley 4bbls, Rochesters and a couple of these Motorcrafts, both 2 & 4 bbls. I can't understand what I've missed. Any ideas?
AnswerKen, first of all I have to apologize for the delay. I don't know what went wrong with the AllExperts site, but I never saw this question. They sent me a "where are you" message today and I checked back in my e-mail: - it had never come through to me.
Secondly, I'm afraid I haven't any secrets to tell you about the whistle. I've rebuilt these same carburetors numerous times, and I haven't had this problem! I would take my stethoscope and just move it around the engine until I find the noise. If you don't have a stethoscope, you can use about 3 feet of garden hose just as well, but be careful to block your other ear, so you don't confuse yourself about the source of the noise.
It could be something as simple as a sharp edge on a screw slot that is whistling in the air stream, or it could be a leak at the base gasket, or in any other gasket for that matter. You'll just have to listen to every place until you find it - sorry not to be more help.
Dick.
