I have been given to opportunity to buy 4 old Stromberg carburetors for what I think is a very reasonable price, the guy has had them for at least 40 years and he said he was gathering them up when he was building flathead he also said he had picked them up at swap meets and junk yards. I found them in a box marked swap meet when we were looking for a set of fog lights. I use to go to swap meets with him but he doesn't go anymore. So my question, are these old carburetor's worth trying to rebuild, I would imagine with their age they have been built and rebuilt several times, are the parts readily available to rebuild and be reliable? HRP
Buy genuine Stromberg parts. Uncle max is the resident expert if you need technical assistance. I have had him work on a handfull of 97's for me and every one was perfect when he was done with it.
What rock have you been hiding under ? Yes, there are many parts / kits available for Stromberg 97 carburetors. People still like them, and use them. The affinity for Stromberg 97 carburetors has caused 2 companies to offer new carburetors based on the originals.
I am well aware they have been a staple of the old school purist and I also know as popular as they seem to be they have been monkeyed with ever since their debut so I can imagine many are only good for parts. I have never been tempted to buy any Stromberg's in the past and no intention to pay a small fortune to buy brand new reproductions, they don't interest me in the least. HRP
I wanted 97s for my RPU but couldn't even afford the cores. Cores alone go for $150-$200 around here. I went with 94s because you can get them for practically nothing.
I am not a carburetor guy but I do know the old Stromberg's have value but was totally unaware the core were that expensive. HRP
They don't cost that much everywhere. I'd laugh in the face of a seller asking $200 for a core Stromberg at a swap meet. A month ago I bought two old chrome Strombergs for $125 each.
I bought the old chrome strombergs for my 40 at various swap meets probably 10 years ago for 50 to a hundred each. Took 5 carbs to make 4 good ones. It idles as smooth as a gravy sandwich at 500 rpms and has wonderful throttle response. I wouldn’t be afraid of rebuilding old ones. Just make sure to remove and clean the emultion tubes
The ones I worked on had a problem with stripped threads. The plugs in the bottom are notorious leakers and are often tightened to the point of stripping the threads. Also check the cover screws. The gasket often leaks and they get stripped as well.
A good tip for any Strombergs is to replace the plugs in the bottom (screwdriver slotted) with new hex head plugs. I think I got them from Uncle Max. You can now give them a snug when they are on the car in a line. And use the nylon gaskets on them too.
Yes I am, Mike offered me the 4 Stromberg's for a hundred bucks. I'll keep that in mind, thank you. HRP
I gave up on Strombergs years ago no matter how you rebuild them they leaked fuel and needle valves would stick at any time . I always carried a wrench to tap on carbs. to free stuck valves. That's why I usually drove with no hoods on my Mercs. and Fords !
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