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**Stromberg 97 3x2 Issue! HELP!!!!**

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Sutton Speed, Nov 27, 2011.

  1. Sutton Speed
    Joined: Jul 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,140

    Sutton Speed
    Member

    Alright guys, here's my issue... 3x2 setup with freshly rebuilt Stromberg 97's on a sbc. Summit electric fuel pump with a Holley low pressure regulator with a Mooneyes pressure gauge off of the open port on the regulator.

    Have about 400 miles on the setup with it running flawlessly then one day it starts running a little funny for a few runs then all of a sudden there is fuel GUSHING out of the top of the primary carb. I messed around with the regulator a bit and could never get it fixed so it sat in the garage for a week or so.

    Go back out today, car fires right up, check pressure and its set right at 2 psi. Drove the car for a few miles and it seemed to run ok, checked the fuel pressure gauge again and it seemed to drop pressure on its own to 1 psi and then 0 psi a few minutes later according to the gauge. Drove home and tried messing with the pressure but could never get it to show any pressure on the gauge but car was still running. Then once again fuel starts gushing out of the top of the primary carb (look at attached picture to see where from) and car will not run. If I turn the pressure down SUPER low the car will run for 30 seconds or so but then die I'm guessing due to lack of fuel, but then if you turn pressure back up to 2 psi or so it starts gushing fuel again.

    Any ideas on what's going on? It's obvious that the issue has something to do with fuel pressure but what could the issue be?

    Any ideas would be much appreciated.

    Thanks.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 27, 2011
  2. DICK SPADARO
    Joined: Jun 6, 2005
    Posts: 1,887

    DICK SPADARO
    Member Emeritus

    First junk that electric fuel pump before it burns your ride to the ground. Your original ford fuel pump will work perfectly fine with three carbs. NO high pressure, no pressure regulator, no extra crap to give you problems.
     
  3. Sutton Speed
    Joined: Jul 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,140

    Sutton Speed
    Member

    Problem is, it's a newer sbc block so I have to use an electric pump. Wish I didn't have to...
     
  4. Yes - you can go back to the tried and true original - and sometimes they're not all that easy to set up either - as many mechanical pumps will put out more pressure than a Stromberg can handle.

    Another option is to get another fuel pressure regulator - as that seems to be the real issue you're having. I'd go that route first . . . probably the easiest. I've had issues with regulators before.

    Another thing - do you have a good fuel filter on it? Any crap gets in the regulator or into the needle/seat . . . can cause your issues in a hurry.

    Also - if you don't have one, get a good fire extinguisher - nothing like lots of raw fuel around hot engines, exhaust and distributors to cause a fire. (I know, now I'm sounding like "Dad") :D

    Best of luck!

    B&S
     

  5. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    I can't tell you for certain how to fix your issues but I can tell you that I got a a Carter p4070 which a lot of guys use on flatheads because it's only rated to like 4psi or some thing. Then I went and got a fancy King Malapassi Fuel Filter/Regulator that they use on vintage ferraris to set the psi at 2. You issue might be in the fact that Holley has had some issues with those regulators. Or it might be that you have something clogging the line.
     
  6. Thought I'd heard of everything until I saw this post! :rolleyes: The beauty of the internet - took 10 seconds to find it. I bet it works better than the POS Holley regulators (never liked them anyway). Thanks for the tip!

    Here is a link - not too expensive in the long run . . . beats a torched car!

    http://www.weberjets.com/index.php?...&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

    I did a bit of searching, some of them come with glass or aluminum filter bowls in addition to the regulator -- nice vintage looking stuff. Saw a few on "the bay".

    Best of luck,
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2011
  7. DICK SPADARO
    Joined: Jun 6, 2005
    Posts: 1,887

    DICK SPADARO
    Member Emeritus

    OOps, I thought it was a flat motor. Anyway, the first place to look is in the area you have been fuel pressure regulator. Check the brand and construction, if it has a rubber diaphragm there is a good chance that the new powers to be EPA friendly POS fuel has affected the diaphragm. Since this was running ok and then died there is a pretty good reason that the regulator is at fault. Borrow a good fuel pressure tester to check the out put which should be a steady 2lbs. If the pressure fluctuates then the issue is with the regulator. If you can borrow another brand regulator try that as a check also. Since all three carbs aren't burping it sounds like the main carb is closest to the fuel block divide line and when that carb burps the pressure is relieved and the other carbs don't leak. The next area to check is the needle seat in the carb some of those are rubber tipped and they dont like the new fuel either. I think you are looking in the right direction, that the pressure regulator is the issue.
     
  8. Sutton Speed
    Joined: Jul 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,140

    Sutton Speed
    Member

    Thanks guys. Definitely think I'm gonna try a new regulator to start. Do you think I'm gonna have to replace anything in the carbs if they did see high fuel pressures??
     
  9. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    Here's the one I have. It's a fuel filter and regulator all in one and has a pretty good reputation. They are kind of big but at least they look pretty cool...

    [​IMG]


    Oh and there is a guy on ebay from time to time that sells them for $36.
     
  10. junk yard kid
    Joined: Nov 11, 2007
    Posts: 2,718

    junk yard kid
    Member

    prabably not, i have the same regulator and sometimes it goes all out of whack. My intervals are farther apart then yours tho.
     
  11. SinisterCustom
    Joined: Feb 18, 2004
    Posts: 8,277

    SinisterCustom
    Member

    I'd be looking inside the "freshly rebuilt" carbs if it were me......
    Could be a float with a pinhole in it....
     
  12. petew
    Joined: Jul 21, 2010
    Posts: 221

    petew
    Member
    from Mebane, NC

    I run a pair of 97's on my model A banger motor and had the same problem.

    First thing is to replace that fuel pump with one made by a company named Facet ( google it) . They make a low pressure pump that puts out 2-3 psi. Mount it back by the tank and by the time the gas gets to the carbs you have 2 psi without a regulator.

    I run this pump on my car and have no more fuel gushing problems. I also suggest putting little 1/4" fuel shut off valves on each of your three fuel lines. They can be used to shut fuel off to a problem carb if you have an issue miles from home. I used shut off valves I purchased from eBay that are used on small engines ( lawn mowers ).

    Last thing is to replace your fuel inlet valves in the 97's with Grosse Jets , I got mine from Speedway. 600 trouble free miles since I did these things on my car.

    Pete
     
  13. Yeah, it won't have hurt anything!

    The biggest problems that fuel gushing out of Strombergs used to cause me was to get the wooden handle of that big ole' screwdriver in my glovebox all wet and stinky with gas - didn't like the smell of all that gas competing with the smell of oil burning on my exhaust pipes from my rear main leaking :rolleyes:

    As you probably guessed by now - I used to bang the tops of the fuel bowls . . . like everybody else used to do who ran good ole' Strombergs. Seems most of the old Strombergs I rebuilt had 'witness marks' on the tops! :D
     
  14. nexxussian
    Joined: Mar 14, 2007
    Posts: 3,240

    nexxussian
    Member

    Maybe I'm nuts, but if the fuel pressure reads zero, and only one carb is puking, sounds like either a gross valve issue (trash in it, you are using the gross valves ?) or a sticking float.

    If it is too high of a fuel pressure then why aren't all 3 projectile vomiting fuel?

    Specifically thinking that once the valve for the center carb is open, it's flowing more than your pump/regulator combo can deliver, hence the pressure drop.

    What kind of filter are you running now?
     
  15. zeuglodon
    Joined: Nov 17, 2010
    Posts: 88

    zeuglodon
    Member

    First place I'd look is a sticky/dirty needle and seat. Just because the carbs have been rebuilt doesn't mean they couldn't have some crud in there. That would also explain why only one carb is gushing.
     
  16. nexxussian
    Joined: Mar 14, 2007
    Posts: 3,240

    nexxussian
    Member

    Dang, some of you guys sure type fast. :D
     
  17. Just and FYI, I've had some issues with my flatty and one of my problems was a flakey pressure gauge!

    By the way JefferJames, I like your suggestions!
     
  18. HomemadeHardtop57
    Joined: Nov 15, 2007
    Posts: 4,328

    HomemadeHardtop57
    Member


    that malapassi rig is the shit..havent seen them before
     
  19. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    There's one sitting on my driver's side frame rail. Fuel line come through the rail and then up to the King Regulator then to the carbs. It really is a pretty nice looking piece with the size being the only complaint.
     
  20. V8 Bob
    Joined: Feb 6, 2007
    Posts: 2,966

    V8 Bob
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Your problem is most likely with a carb float and/or the inlet valve. Check for fuel in the float, float setting, and the type of inlet valve. If you make a change, the best valves are the Gross ball-type valves sold by Uncle Max, made in England by Stromberg. This goes for any other 97 parts you need.
    There is nothing wrong with the fuel pump, or regulator you're using, ( The're NOT POS) and the Carter #4070 pump is also a very good one. You can check for foreign material and condition of the diaphragm very easily in the regulator by removing the 4 screws, and rebuild (if necessary) kits come with a new diaphragm and a low and high pressure spring. You DO have to run a good fuel filter before the pump. Keep the pressure 2-2 1/2 psi.
    IF the pressure gauge you have is liquid-filled, odds are it will NOT read correctly after a few minutes of operation. Drain the liquid, and the gauge will operate like it should. This gauge problem has been covered several times in the past. IMO. :)
     
  21. strombergs97
    Joined: May 22, 2006
    Posts: 1,888

    strombergs97
    Member
    from California

    I would look at the pressure gauge and fuel pump. The fuel is coming out the accelerator pump hole usually means pressure..Before you take the 97 apart to check the float I would just swap with one of the other 97. I would get a good pressure gauge first..
    Duane.
     
  22. strombergs97
    Joined: May 22, 2006
    Posts: 1,888

    strombergs97
    Member
    from California

    More, if you didn't have a good filter, it could have contaminants on the needle and it's not shutting the fuel off, fills the bowl and out the accelerator pump hole.
    Duane.
     
  23. 4-port Riley
    Joined: Oct 20, 2005
    Posts: 303

    4-port Riley
    Member

    Look at the point where the float contacts the needle, after 75 years there is likely an indentation worn into the float arm. This must be filed/sanded very smooth or the needle cocks in the seat assy and floods the carb. Some floats have a raised area at this point, they work as it is on a slight radius and less apt to bind the needle. Strombergs will easily handle 3 psi, so you should be fine there. Check all 3 carbs to prevent this happening to the other two.
     
  24. I had the same issue with 4x2 on my 327...... The Carter pump is the way to go!
     
  25. titus
    Joined: Dec 6, 2003
    Posts: 5,145

    titus
    Member

    I like mechanical pumps myself.

    id say the float it stuck, or even sunk, or leaking needle and seat. but if the psi regulator is monkied up it can overwheel the float.

    JEFF
     
  26. bobby_Socks
    Joined: Apr 12, 2006
    Posts: 938

    bobby_Socks
    Member
    from ǑǃƕǑ

    Did this get resolved if so what was the fix ?
     
  27. Sutton Speed
    Joined: Jul 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,140

    Sutton Speed
    Member

    Pin hole in the float.
     
  28. flatoutflyin
    Joined: Jun 16, 2010
    Posts: 385

    flatoutflyin
    Member

    I had the very same problem for a slightly different reason. Facet low pressure pump with Mr. Gasket junk regulator, two 97's. The fuel pressure would drop to zero because the regulator would periodically cease to function and block off all fuel flow. Then the fuel bowl would empty, allowing the float to drop too far. The design of the inlet valve allowed the needle to cock open, and when the regulator started working again, voila - gushing fuel. I discovered this by removing the carb tops, running the fuel pump, and observing the float movement. When I'd completely empty the float bowl with a syringe, the float would drop and the needle would stick as soon as I applied fuel pressure which would push the needle too far open. My solution to carefully solder (I placed the float in a cup of water to absorb heat) a little brass foot to each float to control the drop to a point where the needle (a ball and rod in this case) would not cock sideways. It took a lot of trial and error to snip the foot to the right length to attain maybe 1/8" float drop, and finally set the float level at 15/32". I switched to a low pressure Holley pump and low pressure Holley regulator. The regulator was preset at 2 psi, and hasn't wavered in nearly a year. My carbs have never flooded again in over 1000 miles, and 2 psi supplies plenty of fuel.
     

    Attached Files:

  29. oj
    Joined: Jul 27, 2008
    Posts: 6,454

    oj
    Member

    Nice fix. Didn't they have a tab on the back side of the float to limit drop?
     
  30. engine138
    Joined: Oct 5, 2007
    Posts: 2,193

    engine138
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Commack NY

    Great old info just ran across the same issue beleive it may be the regulator diaphram? thanks for the info
     

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