another carb question

[dav 2]

i've been stripping the B=12. the carb from it has the tube for the aircleaner cast as part of the carb body. the bottom of the air cleaner is a steel plate that looks to just slide over the carb body but i can not get it off. i am afraid if i pry on anything, i will break the body. WHAT holds the plate on? there are no screws or clips of any sort. anyone have any expirience with this?

[RedbarnRick 5]

Friction fit, some carbs had a permatex sealant at the base that held like crazy, drip some laquer thinner or mineral spirits into the base and tap with a rubber mallet, it's easier if you remove the air cleaner post/bolt and set the carb upside down on a bench or solid surface and tap evenly and gently.

[Roy 0]

Can that plate be tapped into position with the carburetor installed? Much easier if the carb can be left on. That little spring on the governor-to-carb link is a bear to install.

[rjgoth 0]

By tapping that plate (welch plug) into position while it is still installed on the engine can or could affect the gasket seal between the carburetor and the intake as well as between the intake and block, causing an air leak. I would advise removing the carb, and tapping the welch plug into position. Good luck with your project, Ryan

[UCD 14]

I do not believe they are talking about the welch plug. They are talking about the air cleaner tube.

[rjgoth 0]

Thanks Maynard, I stand corrected. Ryan:)

[dav 2]

i did as suggested and gently-and i have a hard time being gentle with anything-tapped the carb free of the air cleaner bottom. i could not get the tube out of the bottom so i had to force the top up, bending the tube. as it did not break, i will try to straighten it. easy enough to just buy a new one. i have not seen a carb in the condition this one is. the white crust from the old gas went up into the plastic elbow where the fuel hose hooks on. the needle valve wasn't visible at all. soaking overnight loosened most of the crud. a blast with the hose and the air and the tube came out. so now it's back in the carb cleaner for another night. that should do 'er. if i have a salvagable gasket, it will go back together tomorrow. got to get a job soon. the projects that don't need money are almost done and all that's left are the ones that DO need money