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Question
brad, i have a 1973 corvette (350) with 38,000 original miles..and yes it sat- stored alot... i,ve had problems with the plugs fowling out... i put new ones in and after awile they;ll get black and wet..not to mention run crapie..to the point of not starting..i've asked around and people have said its probably the float in the carb..if it is can you tell me a good place to look up the numbers and get a good rebuild kit? or any tips... thanks richard
There are a lot of reason for plugs fouling beside just attack the carburetor. I would suggest that the first step would be a compression check just to make sure the innards of the engine is sound. Then check the thermostat and make sure that the engine is coming up to temperature. A cold running engine will prevent the choke from fully opening and making the mixture rich. It will also prevent the combustion chambers from coming up to temperature and can cause plug fouling. Check the timing and make sure that the external carburetor adjustments are correct. then worry about overhauling the carburetor. Good luck.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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