Float repair suggestions--Update

[Bob McCarty]

I have several carb floats that don't leak but have the sides caved in/convex due to freezing or ??? Looking for suggestions to pop the sides back out. I'm not sure if this affects float function or not, but would like them to have the original internal air volume and shape.

[Crimson Tim]

If the sides are pushed in, but they don’t leak, then they should be more dense than originally. Less buoyant. You might try some gentle heat. If you can pressurize the air inside sufficiently before the solder lets go, it might puff them back up where they should be. Try submersing them in boiling water first, and see if that gets you anything.

Otherwise, maybe the smallest tools in an glue-based dent puller kit?

[Stanton]

I was thinking low heat as well, but the dent puller idea is interesting. See if you could use super glue (cyanoacrylate) gluing a heavy string or small diameter rod to the side. Let dry and give a gentle tug. Who knows, might work.

You may have to sacrifice one to get the right technique. Let us know your results or method.

[Gary Dotson]

Try dipping them into boiling water. Otherwise, experiment with the other ideas mentioned.

[Cubfriend]

Bob, you might want to make a jig to limit the width so they are not too wide when expanded. They could balloon up on you.

[wrz]

Buy a 1/8 inch pipe male adapter with barb end (installed in drain plug hole) to put a clear plastic tube on to see the fuel level in carb. Compare the two ( one good float and one damaged ). It might be just a easy fix to increase drop of the float.
Wm

[BigBill]

Does McDonald ign carb sell floats?

https://www.mcdonaldcarb.com/category_s/389.htm

[SONNY]

unsolder the halves,---straighten them and resolder them! --- takes time but works on brass and copper floats. Had to do that to one in an old truck carb one time. It was a one of a kind carb.

[Stanton]

unsolder the halves,---straighten them and resolder them! --- takes time but works on brass and copper floats. Had to do that to one in an old truck carb one time. It was a one of a kind carb.

I know there are people on here better at soldering than me, but I took one apart once and never quite got it soldered back up (nice) again. Soldering floats is an activity I avoid. With that said, yes, I agree. IF you're a good at soldering, then dismantle it and fix it that way. For me, it's better to order one from McDonald...

[Bob McCarty]

I test floats in hot water, but also tried dipping the float in boiling water on the stove, without effect. Filed off the solder nub, put the float in the freezer for several hours and then sealed the hole with JB, hoping there would be enough pressure differential when put in hot water to expand the sides. Nada. Last night I inserted a needle valve and put a little bead of JB around the stem to seal it. This morning I hooked the needle valve up to a small portable Rugged Geek compressor and it popped the sides out faster than I could turn it off. I was able to gently push them back in the correct position. Sealed the hole with JB and will check for leakage tonight. Also sealed needle valves into two other convex floats so I'll have three to base results on. I was going to try sealing with super glue and baking soda, but the super glue was shot so that will have to wait for another time.

[indy61]

I wonder if a rubber tip air nozzle might work. Save the time of the needle valve/JB and give you more control.

[Stanton]

Hope that works. Let us know...

[Bob McCarty]

I had already JB'd the next two needle valves in, so I was unable to try Indy's idea. All three over expanded, but were easy to press back to the correct width. I put a dab of JB over the hole, tested them in hot water and none of the three leaked. About $50 saved in not needing to replace those floats.

[staninlowerAL]

Way to go Bob!!

[Cubfriend]

I’m glad you had some success. Next project!?