1953 Ford Golden Jubilee NAA sputtering

[cobalt650]

I went "Up North" to cut some grass with our 1953 Ford NAA. It has a gas shut off valve, and is only filled with Ethanol free Premium with Sea Foam. It hadn't been started in a few months. Started well, but I had to keep the choke out to keep it running. Cranked up the idle, was able to cut some grass. Then it would only sputter, with the choke full out. Quit if the choke was in. Not sure the nuts/bolts will survive if I pop the 65 year old carb off. Think I could spray some carb cleaner in the main jet screw opening? Or maybe just buy a new carb and swap it out? Time is at a premium, it is located 4 hours from home in Northern Wisconsin. Thanks much,
Steve

 

[Ed of all trades]

I would bet the carb bolts will do fine. Check the main jet. Ed

 

[cobalt650]

Ed,
Is the main jet the one that you can screw out by hand? Thanks!

 

[Soundguy]

uh.. that would be the main needle.

you can of course try pulling the needle and fuel line, and opening the carb drain and using a can of carb cleaner with straw and get a few blasts thru main, ( and idle ), and then a few good streams thru inlet. note the inlet has a specific passageway.. don't try to do it blind.

 

[cobalt650]

Pulled the main needle, shot some carb cleaner in, runs like an Indy Car

 

[Soundguy]

good deal.