Edelbrock carb for ‘57 (or replacement Holley)?

[Rusty57]

I’m not sure where your 1273 is leaking but there are a few places to look before giving up on it.

Just like in a fuel pump the accelerator pump diaphragms are a weak spot. They have to be molded thin enough to be flexible but thick enough to withstand the flexing and pressure against them. Plus they tend to dry out when the car sits like over the winter.

If the throttle body is warped or distorted it will allow fuel leakage where it attaches to the main body. It will warp if excessive/uneven torque is used to fasten the carb to the intake manifold. Over time heat cycling can warp them.

The 2 surfaces where the metering blocks/plates mount can also warp due to excessive or uneven torque when tightening the fuel bowls.

An experienced rebuilder will check these surfaces. Even though you sent the carb to Holley for rebuild, you really do not know if they did it in-house or farmed it out.

These are not unique to the 1273. This can occur in almost any Holley carburetor, especially where the metering blocks mount. That is unique to Holley.

[paul2748]

The problem with an Edelbrock is the fuel inlet. It will not allow the stock aircleaner to sit on the carb correctly.

I have an Edelbrock on two cars, one a 54 Ford with a 312 and the other a 48 Ford with a 302. Very happy with the carbs - they ran very well right out of the box.

[willcarter]

Indeed. The pump rebuilder has said they will re-rebuild it if I have it taken off and sent back to them. I will also reach out to Holley.

I would appeal to Holley and the rebuilder of your pump. The originals have worked well for me over the years after rebuilding from ethanol damage.

[willcarter]

Yeah, my mechanic thinks it’s from the accelerator pump diaphragm…

I also wondered about whether things could have dried out while sitting during winter storage. This is one of the things that has had me considering switching to a fuel injection system rather than carb & mechanical fuel pump. Due to kids, work, life, weather, etc., there are times when I can’t get out to drive much; and I assume fuel injection systems are less prone to problems like this during extended storage. (But that’s an assumption; I don’t really know.)

I’m not sure where your 1273 is leaking but there are a few places to look before giving up on it.

Just like in a fuel pump the accelerator pump diaphragms are a weak spot. They have to be molded thin enough to be flexible but thick enough to withstand the flexing and pressure against them. Plus they tend to dry out when the car sits like over the winter.

[MarkR]

If it is the accelerator pump like your mechanic says and you’re removing it to send it out anyway you can replace the pump yourself and save the down time and shipping. It’s held in place with only four screws on the bottom of the carb. Straightforward switch and Holley has changed the rubber to withstand ethanol on the replacement pumps.
There’s a great video for adjusting the arm at the Holley website. Not a difficult process.
Good luck

[Jimntempe]

Thanks much, Jim. How long did you have the 1848 before it needed a rebuild? I know that nothing lasts forever, but I also don’t consider these to be disposable items. In my case, I’m already needing a rebuild/replacement of my 1273 a mere 18 months after it was rebuilt by Holley itself. (Which is why I was leaning toward going non-Holley).

Yeah, I’d really like to know that too… Both were just rebuilt within the past 18 months, and both were done by very reputable rebuilders.

In any event: thanks for all the info on the Edelbrock. It sounds like there would indeed be some modifications required, which is not ideal. So, now leaning toward a modern Holley, specifically this one:

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_sy ... s/0-1848-2

I will call Holley tomorrow morning to get some info directly from them, but in the meantime: does anyone have experience with the 1848-2 (or its predecessors) regarding (1) reliability/leaking/problems with it or (2) whether it’s a true bolt-in replacement on a ‘57 or whether it would require any modifications?

I have an 1848 on mine. Works fine. I had it rebuilt 3 years ago. Factory air cleaner fits fine too.

Missed your reply so answering late for the record. When I got the car it looked like the carb had just been rebuilt... but, as best I can tell the prior owner did a bunch of work and then let the car sit for 10 years putting only about 200 miles on it. When it first got it, it ran ok but within a few hundred miles the fuel pipe between the front and back bowls leaked. I discovered whoever worked on it last had put in two o-rings where there was only room for one and they were both distorted and leaking. I fixed that leak but after a few more miles it stopped running right so I took it to a local shop known for their good work and had them rebuild it. It's been good for the two years since then.