Im rebuilding a carb from my 83 parts car and could use some tips.

I have stripped it down and soaked it in degreaser. It has gone from black to aluminum

The recession has affected my job and left me short on funds so im looking at resusing the aluminum and copper gaskets and cutting my own gaskets. I have gasoline gasket material.

What are the down sides (functional/performance) of not buying a rebuild kit and taking this approach? Would "liguid" gasket help around these rings?

Is there any way to clean/polish the brass jets. I was thinking of using "brasso" but was worried the polish would affect the jets. Is this too ****?

Is there any way to keep the aluminum shinny? I notice it is already darkening?

I plan to modify this carb according to the forums FAQ treads. Strip it of useless things etc and go to mechanical secondaries.

I have used a piece of braided wire to connect the linkages. I was amazed at how simple this mod joins the two sets of butterflies in harmony as one

Are there any concerns with the wiring stretching over time? or breaking? Just wondering, If anyone has new knowledge after "years" of running this mod. It seems this mod is easier to work on when everything is apart than when it is on the car and finger room is tight.


Thanks in advance for you comments (good or bad)

 

gasket material is thicker than the actual carb gaskets. it's not really necessary to polish the jets, just make sure the holes r clean. the carb body oxydizes like with all aluminum. a spray can of clear will keep it looking new. as for the wire tieing the secondaries, just make sure it not too tight which will cause it to bind.

 

Once you take the carb apart & take all the jets out, it can be hard to tune back up. The rebuilding kit only costs $21.99 at Auto Zone. Why would you want to make your own gaskets?Since it's apart, you might as well just use new parts.

 

I hope I'm not the first to notice.. but your airhorn is on backwards. lol :P

 

yes u r. i didn't even notice that.

 

doh!! Good eye guys. I stacked the parts for a quick picture. How embarassing!!

 

http://www.sterlingmetalworks.com/re..._the_nikki.htm

 

Great write up, - Thats a book mark! Thanks

 

Biggest advantage to buying a rebuild kit is that you get new needles and seats. Without those, you've really just done a thorough cleanout - helpful though that is.

 

thanks for the rebuild document. that was my deciding factor on getting a new carb, or giving a first rebuild ever a try.

 

Your welcome.
Friends of mine all thought it was nuts of me to put that on my site. After all, I'm trying to sell Nikki carbs, be them rebuilt or modified. I explained that if someone was on the fence about trying to rebuild his carburetor and all he needed was a little write-up to push him over, then that's what he is meant to do as a sports car enthusiast.

 

^^^

I dont think its the write up that makes them think that!! lol

 

I'd also get you get some business, Stirling, from people who look at the procedure and say, 'Uhm... nah, too much work for me."

People like to do business with people who will help them, rather than treating them like a wallet with legs.