Question on midyear carb dating

[Robert B.]

When were the carbs installed on midyear engines? I had understood they were installed at body assembly so the dating on the carb would precede body assembly but likely after engine build. But if they were installed at Flint or Tonawonda the carb would be dated prior to engine assembly.

Which is correct?

Bob

[Larry M.]

Re: Question on midyear carb dating

When were the carbs installed on midyear engines? I had understood they were installed at body assembly so the dating on the carb would precede body assembly but likely after engine build. But if they were installed at Flint or Tonawonda the carb would be dated prior to engine assembly.

Which is correct?

Bob

They were installed at St Louis during the assembly process.

Larry

[Michael G.]

Re: Question on midyear carb dating

I believe the engines at the Flint and Tonawonda plant were started and run w/o a carburetor. Don't know all the particulars but a fixture was attached in place on the intake with the engine started then run. Now......I'm sure if I'm incorrect someone will jump here and smack the 'taste outa my mouth'.

[Duke W.]

Re: Question on midyear carb dating

That's correct. The Flint/Tonawanda engine hot test was done by attaching an adaptor to the inlet manifold that fed a correct mixture of natural gas (methane) and air.

There was an engine dress line at St. Louis where carburetors and associated fuel pipes were installed along with proper front end accessories for the engine code. Carburetor date codes were typically a few weeks before the body assembly date, and NCRS allows up to six months in Flight Judging.

Duke

[Robert B.]

Re: Question on midyear carb dating

Thanks guys - I was pretty sure that was the case, but when it came up in judging, I was starting to question the assembly sequence!

Bob