So I'm considering cranking over the engine tonight to see what happens.  I've changed the oil/filter and turned the engine by hand to ensure all the valves are free.  I will disconnecte the fuel line before the fuel pump and dip it into a fresh can of gas.

However, the last time this car was run...a few years ago, they left the car run for a awahile and the car cuaght on fire under the hood.  My grandpa said the "float was stuck" in the carb.  The put out the fire, cleaned things up and replaced the melted wiring...and my understanding is the car ran fine afterwards...but????

But the more I'm thinking about this..how would a stuck float cause a fire?? If the float stuck withe the needle seated, where would the gas leak out?  From the float bowl gasket?  If the float stuck open the engine would just flood and stop right?

And why would the gas ignite? What started the fire?  Is the engine block hot enough on the outside to ignite spilled gas?  I can't see how gas would've hit the axhaust manifold.

I want to kind of have this figured out before I start the engine just to be prepared.

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan