I marked the location of the float hanger/tab (you can see a black mark across it and on the float in the photos). Then, out came the propane torch and within moments I had the thing in three pieces:
First, I bent the carb float body back in shape. I looked for something with the same diameter and found that a wooden dowel used for a clothes hanger rod in a typical closet is almost the same diameter. Use whatever you have to gently bent it back:
There was a glob of solder on the outside when I started, here's the reason:
So, the outside got ground down to prevent excess weight and out came the acid-core solder. Don't use lead-free solder. Getting the two half pieces back together will take patience and persistance. A little light sanding with extra fine sandpaper where the old solder was will help.
It took several tries to fully get it sealed up. One way I found was to submerge the assembled float in a jar of water after I thought I was done soldering the body. Swish it around under water for a moment, then put it back in the vise, and briefly put the propane torch on it. Any holes or leaks will quickly be found because the water inside the float will heat up and the air pressure will force the water to evacuate the space. The little pin-hole shot water out like a geyser!
Finally got it so no leaks where present, then I soldered on the hanger/tab.I wire wheeled it down to clean up any residue:
After this, I reinstalled it and measured the drop/rise dimensions, making final adjustments. Now, it's ready when I need it this Spring.
