Stromberg OF Main Jet Lead Gasket

[SurfCityGene]

I need a new lead gasket for the Main Jet for my Early OF Stromberg carb. Has anyone replaced this gasket or have a source? I haven't determined what the thickness should be but think I could make a couple about the same as the other normal gaskets.
Somehow some debri passed thru my filter which caused me to have to clean it out and find the failing lead gasket.

This carb is one that Stan had rebuilt several years ago and I am sure he would know... He has said "it has to be the perfect thickness"....
Thanks for any ideas!

[Mark Gregush]

I am sure there is an optimal thickness, which from the one I saw was not very thick but it had been compressed. Wouldn't it just be a matter of setting the fuel level in the bowl making sure the fuel does not overflow or is too low depending on how thick that gasket is after installing? Don't think this would be a place for fiber seals, same thinking on the reg. T float valves (I have been making my own lead ones).

[paulgriesse]

Saw this company at Hershey-----Means Garage 3783 s 21st rd Dunnegar, Mo. 65640 He has all parts for the Stromburg OF carb. 417-754-8637 Paul

[SurfCityGene]

I just removed the Main Discharge Jet from a different carb of the later Style OF and found it had the fiber gasket and the tiny lead gasket. But when I compared the Main Discharge Jet from my Early version OF I discovered they are not the same!! The newer carb has a larger center hole and also a Shoulder at the tip where the lead gasket seats against. My Earlier style doesn't have a shoulder for the lead to seat against but is tapered like it might simply mate with the body in the bottom of the hole? I can see if the fiber gasket is too thick it will prevent a good seal at the tip.

Now I'm not sure what mine is really supposed to have... Man I sure wished I could ask the Man Stan!!

Thanks, I give them a call and maybe be able to find out some info.

If anyone else has experience with the OF's please respond!

[Bruce Compton]

I've made a few of these by melting a drop of solder on a heavy piece of steel and flattening it out with a hammer. Then I drill an appropriate hole in the flattened lead disc and trim the outside to fit. The thickness is critical as this tiny gasket must compress to seal exactly at the same time as the fiber gasket seals as they must seal on two different seats. My best guess is around 0.025" to 0.030" thick. I talked to Stan about using an "O" ring and he said they wouldn't work but a few years ago I bought a genuine "Stan Howe rebuilt" at Hershey and it had an "O" ring in place....but it was split..so he was right. It's not rocket science, and a real PIA, but worth the time and effort to save an OF.

[Allan]

Another source for the material may be lead fishing as used in roofing. You don't need much. It is easily beaten to whatever thickness you require. I have made NH needle seat gaskets from this material, using a wad punch for the OD and a rotate leather punch for the ID.

Allan from down under.

[SurfCityGene]

Just thinking maybe it would be good to start a thread listing the differences between the Early and Late style of OF Carbs. I don't ever recall Stan or others discussing it? With the number of OF's being used today it might be of value to someone and also to share the knowledge.

I'm just discovering a very noticeable difference in the Main Discharge Jets!

[SurfCityGene]

WOW!!!! I just called Means Garage and they are sending me two Complete gasket sets for the Outrageous Price of $4.00 Each Set!! I know these only cost a few cents each at a local supply store.. What a great service!

There number is 417-754-8637 in Missouri