Chirping Carburetor Syndrome

[lindy46]

quote Buccaneer:

I just worked on the same carb today. Thinner spacer
was #35.

Buccaneer – did your carb have only one thin spacer (#35)?

[Buccaneer]

Yes, mine only had one thin spacer.
I took apart three carburator reed sets
to use the best pieces, then put the
junk back on the old carbs, and had
one spacer left over……therefore, no
idea if two thin ones are required or not!

Prepare to be boarded!

[lindy46]

Well, I’ve got mine ready for a test run – guess I’ll try it with the two spacers and see how it runs. I’ve had this carb apart 3 times and I don’t feel like taking it off again unless I have to 😡

[Buccaneer]

I should have said that mine only had "one thin spacer under the upper reed,
and one thick one on top".

Prepare to be boarded!

[lindy46]

May be April before I can test this motor. We’re leaving for a month in Florida tomorrow morning and it’s raining here today. I still don’t know whether to use one or two of the thin spacers between the upper and lower reeds. Two may allow the lower reed to open too much, as it "stops" against the upper reed. Wouldn’t that cause a too rich situation?

[frankr]

How far the reed opens has nothing to do with the fuel – air ratio. That is controlled by the carb knob. How far and how easy does affect the air charge volume. And how easy to fatigue and break.

OK, you got me curious to do some searching. I looked at parts lists from <1950, 1951-54 (yours), and 1955-up. I also went out to the shop and tore down two carbs, one a pre-1950, and a 5D10. Conclusion: I couldn’t reach one. They both had the exact same set-up. One spacer, 0.011"
thick, as the book seems to indicate. However, the 1955 book does show two spacers. Sorry, I don’t have a 1955 carb to open up.

Lastly, I looked at the Gale service manual and got what might be an AHA moment. It says the reed tension is pre-set at the factory. Makes sense that it would be adjusted by an extra spacer if needed (????)

My advice? Put it back like you found it and stop worrying about it. Worked for me for the last 50 years or so.

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[lindy46]

Thanks, Frank – when I get home I’ll tear it down and remove the extra spacer leaving it just as I found it.

[lindy46]

UPDATE – I removed the extra spacer from the carb reed valve setup and NO MORE CHIRPING! Got it all back together, installed a new impeller, and got her purring like a kitten. Once I knew it’s a runner, I went ahead and ordered paint and decals. The Reprotint paint went on easily and she looks beautiful! I’ll let the paint cure a few days and apply the decals. Then I’ll put her all back together and post some pics. Thanks for everyone’s help!

[lindy46]

Here’s some pics of the Sea King

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[Buccaneer]

Great job! Almost too nice to use!
According to my catalog of outboards,
I have a 1948 Sea King 5 hp, but I think
I’m missing the fancy looking rewind.
Your photo is going to make me go out
in the blowing snow to the garage and
look at mine!

Prepare to be boarded!

[Author]

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