how do you prepare a carb for storage? the two problems im aware of are the gas thats in the carb will evaporate and could plug up some passages. the other is that the rubber or flexible parts can dry out and when put back into use will crack or deteriorate quickly. what im thinking is there should be some sort of fluid that you can pore into the carbs bowl vents and work into the carb accelerator pump that wont evaporate and will keep the rubber in good condition. does anybody know of a fluid that will do this or have any suggestions on how to store a carb with out it "drying out"?
Ive never had a problem storing my edelbrocks when I would swap them out. Just poured out the fuel and sat it on the shelf. A Holley I could see being more of a problem. I would think youd be best to put it on the shelf with a gasket kit next to it so you have it ready when its time for use again.
Just gonna toss out an idea, use a humador. If it can keep cigars from going to crap for years and years it can probably keep your gaskets intact.
If its a holley...Pull a bowl screw (bottom one) on the front and rear float bowls. Drain fuel, put screws back in then... Put a plastic bag over the carb when done and put the air filter assy back on. Or...If its off the car...Drain the bowls and put it in a bag you can seal up, and park it on a shelf where it will stay undisturbed...
I'd just drain it and bag it as the others have already mentioned. As a matter of safety and normal freshening I usually just plan on replacing the accellerator pump diaphram and power valve. I usually go to the trouble of replacing any viton tipped needles while I'm at it too. The rubber does go bad after a while and the parts are cheap enough to freshen up before bolting it back on the engine. PS.. I never let my carbs sit on the linkage for extended periods of time either. A block of wood works well to keep the shaft bushings round and the baseplate flat.
Everyone has given the best of the best, but I have used those vacuum bags that you hook up to a vacuum cleaner..........this does a great job of getting most of the moisture/air out.........then I seal that bag in another plastic bag. Have had Holleys sit for over 2 years with no issues................I also run Marvel Mystery Oil through the motor before it goes into hibernation for the winter........I actually put some in the gas tank with less than a gallon left and run it out.....on my motor that's just enough to get it warm.
