Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

Right on cue, upon starting, my 7320 '60-61 FI fuel bowl began to leak from the copper-screened air vent at the top. The only thing i could think of was some piece of crud stuck between the needle and the seat. When I took everything off, the needle had a groove around it (see pic) from pushing against the seat. The edge of the seat had some non-continuous black around the inside edge that may be from the rubber tip of the needle.

No way do I want to disassemble and then do everything over again if it still leaks, so I want to replace the needle. The needle is 5/8 inch long from base to tip and the triangular sides are 5/32 inch.

I have heard that brass needles are better than rubber, but all I need is something that won't leak.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Bob

[Dan H.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Obtain a NOS needle/seat in all metal instead of the rubber tip job.

[Bob B.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Obtain a NOS needle/seat in all metal instead of the rubber tip job.

Dan,

That sounds good. I think I've heard that somewhere before.

Any idea where these can be found?

Thanks,

Bob

[Dan H.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Perhaps Gary Hodges, Jim Lockwood, EBAY, ?

[Duke W.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

I've had problems with neoprene needles too and don't like them.

You need a needle and seat and there is likely a gasket between the seat and meter cover.

I expect these parts are not unique to the FI system, but I don't know of what carburetors they may be used on.

Duke

[Jim L.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Bob,

A fully functional replacement needle/seat would be the NAPA CRB-23539.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CRB23539

This has a Viton-tip needle, like the one already in your FI unit. I think that's a Real Good Thing. The original brass seat & steel needle work OK as long as the machining of both parts are perfect. The compliant Viton tip can accommodate minor irregularities in the machining of the seat. Nothing wrong with that.

This picture provides a comparison of the NAPA needle/seat (left), the needle/seat commonly found in rebuild kits (center) and an original needle/seat with the steel needle (right).

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The appearance of your Viton needle suggests to me that some trash got between it and the seat. If that was the case, it certainly could prevent complete sealing and cause bowl overflow.

Just as an FYI, one possible source of debris which can compromise the needle/seat is the use of Teflon tape at the FI fuel inlet. Teflon tape will, invariably, devolve into pieces of thready material. You don't want these threads getting into the FI unit.

For sealing the fuel inlet, Teflon paste is a good choice.

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Let me know if I can help.

Jim

[George W.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

I have both types of these; text 210 748 4693 for photos.
No charge

[Bob B.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Wow, what a great group of guys answering! Thanks! I think this is the most info I've ever gotten on a question! I'll keep you posted.

[Dan H.]

Re: Fuel Bowl Float Needle Needed for 7320 '60-61 FI

Bob, have you found one close by?