[dhcarguy]

What can I set my float levels and drop to help stop the airhorn gaskets from leaking.
Also the ridge on top of my float bowls is practically gone. I guess people sanded them over the years to flatten/true them up.
Can I use some type of gas proof sealer on them?

Thanks, Dave

[Goatracer1]

Dropping the float will probably not work because it is splash that is leaking. Make sure your gaskets are "fresh" and not hardened. I don't know if doubling the gaskets would work. If you try sealer be very careful. You don't want the sealer inside the carb. Under NO circumstances use silicone sealer. It is NOT resistant to gasoline. If it is just seepage and you are just seeing a discoloration I would live with it.

[Kenth]

Look for distorted air horn due to gorilla turned the air cleaner wing nut.
This creates a gap between float housing and air horn where fuel can flow unhindered into the venturi.

[dhcarguy]

Originally Posted by Goatracer1

Dropping the float will probably not work because it is splash that is leaking. Make sure your gaskets are "fresh" and not hardened. I don't know if doubling the gaskets would work. If you try sealer be very careful. You don't want the sealer inside the carb. Under NO circumstances use silicone sealer. It is NOT resistant to gasoline. If it is just seepage and you are just seeing a discoloration I would live with it.

If I do try to double up the gasket, would that change the float level or drop measurements?
Thanks, Dave

[mgarblik]

I have found the old, NOS kits have the brown, very thin paper air horn gaskets. They will weep some fuel and don't seal well after 60 years sitting in a box. The newer kits have a thicker, gray, bluish color more porous paper gasket. They tend to wick a little fuel into the paper and seal better on old, warped air horns and bowls. I would try them first before using sealers.

[carbking]

Kenth hit the proverbial nail on the head; some folks think it is necessary to use an 18 inch pipe wrench with a 3-foot cheater to tighten the air cleaner wing nut.

Doing so distorts (warps) the air horn.

Take a piece of flat steel, and cut an area so the float hanger will fit in the area; and place the air horn on the metal to check for warpage.

If its warped, it is not going to seal if you use 25 gaskets!

If warped, the air horn may be cautiously straightened by the use of heat (maybe 350 degrees in an ELECTRIC toaster oven) and pressure (common METAL C-clamps will do the trick).

As far as ANY sealer is concerned - DON'T!

Do it once, do it right.

[Dick Boneske]

I have not seen a Rochester two barrel carb that did not exhibit some leakage past the airhorn gasket. I believe the fuel sloshes around while driving and saturates the paper gasket. My solution is to wipe off the area whenever you see the need.

I do know that Jon Havens sells a better airhorn gasket.

[dhcarguy]

thanks everyone
Dave