Expert: Vern Bullock - 8/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Vern another question on my 1974 Lincoln Continental Town Car. Sometimes the car will just quit while driving. When I get out and lift the breather off I see gas leaking from some where under the carburetor. If I spray starting fluid in the carb it will start back up again,Wont stat up right after it quits when I do nothing I don't know if it is the time or the starting fluid that starts it back. I need to know if driving like this will hurt the car or is it dangerous can it cause a fire? When I do get it fixed can the carb be rebuilt or do I need another carb. Does this job need to be done by a carb specialist I don't have much money to work with. Thank You so much Vern Lynn

ANSWER: Hi Lynn:
Yes, it is a bit dangerous. It starts after spraying starter fluid because
the starter fluid is sending need fuel to the spark plugs. The leak is most
likely coming from the gasket or from around the accelerator linkage.

It may be time to have the carb rebuilt, but I would at least put a new gasket
on it. If you don't have a specific mechanic you use, find someone at a repair
shop that understand carbs. Most new mechanics only understand fuel injection systems.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You so much Vern, I was just curious how come it does this then wont do it again for awhile.How much approximately would some one charge me to change the gasket? How much would someone charge to rebuild the carb? Iam am a woman in a new town and don't know any one and don't want to be ripped off? Thanks again SO MUCH Vern Lynn

Answer
Hi Lynn:
I somehow lost your last reponses from the machenics, but I did read it. I suggest
you purchase the following rebuild kit and have it rebuilt. The kit will cost you
around $50 total and the rebuilt a couple of hours at $70 per hour. So, it should
be a $200 repair job and it should be fine. There is no history of these carbs leaking.
All carbs will eventually leak over time. Some are just more reliable than others.
Make sure you use someone that will guarantee their work.

http://www.carburetor.ca/carbs/kits/CK043.htm


Hi Lynn:
If it only leak occasionally, this could mean the linkage or choke maybe sticking, causing
the car to flood. You should have it check to find the real cause. If you have a bad gasket,
it should leak all of the time.

Find a old-car mechanic (he must be older than the car) and know what a carb is and have worked
on a few. If it is a linkage or choke problem, that is very easy to fixed for under $50. Once you have a diagnosis, check back with me and let me know what they tell you before getting anything done.