How Long Can a Carburetor Go Un-used Without Rebuilding?

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Old 08-01-2011, 11:16 AM
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Question How Long Can a Carburetor Go Un-used Without Rebuilding?

If an edlebrock carb was was cleaned well and then laid aside and covered up for about a year, in most cases would it still be ok to be put back on an engine and ran without a rebuild. The reason I'm asking is, about six months ago I bought a lightly used carb that was taken off a running car and then cleaned and set aside for about half a year....then I bought it and six months later and here I am getting close to putting on the finishing touches up on some engine stuff and am hoping to crank it up before long. I guess I was wondering if typically the carb would still be ok without rebuilding at this point.
Old 08-01-2011, 11:20 AM
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72 -

The "odds" are it's fine, and you have nothing to loose by giving it a shot. Make sure the screws are snug, and the linkages free - Crank the engine and see what happens. If it starts leaking or doesn't run right, then consider a rebuild.

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Old 08-01-2011, 11:48 AM
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I"ve only seen problems with stuff I've left in the garage or cellar and has experienced temp. and humidity changes.
Old 08-01-2011, 11:53 AM
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Something I've always done after I let one set for a long time is to take WD 40 and spray the whole carb with it. Inside, outside, anyplace I can put the little straw, then let it sit overnight before installing it. The WD 40 will evaporate but it will also soak into any drying gaskets and loosen everything up. SInce it's flammable, any that might be left in the fuel bowls will burn with the gas
Old 08-01-2011, 09:36 PM
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I have a Carter AFB been on the shelf for probably 10 years. I wouldn't think twice about putting it on a motor
Old 08-02-2011, 06:41 AM
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Thanks for the help. Deep down I was figuring on it working out just fine, but I guess I was just wanting some reassurance. I wouldn't have thought about the WD40 approach.... It sounds like a good idea so I think I'll give that a shot. Thanks Again!
Old 08-02-2011, 05:26 PM
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You said "cleaned well". To me, that means no fuel in it. If there was no fuel to evaporate and varnish, then I would feel fine.
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