Late styled A air stack

[rick56]

I recently acquired a 1951 A. It seemed to be running rich, at times backfiring and blowing black smoke. I went through the carb replacing the needle and seat due to the viton tip being eroded, the float checked out good. It didn't run any better after that so I replaced the points and condensor as the points were badly oxidized. Still wasn't starting or running like it should I next removed the cup from the oil bath air cleaner after which it fired right up and ran pretty decent. From what I can find by searching the 'net, it seems like it is somewhat common for the air stack to become plugged. I assume removing the cup confirms a plugged stack? Can anyone enlighten me if it's possible to clear out any debris in the stack while it's still mounted to the filter canister? Is it possible to clear it using a pressure washer or air pressure? I'm unfamiliar with the construction of the intake stack, is there a baffle inside? Is there a center tube inside the stack? Does the dirt/debris settle in the bottom of the stack? I'd like to avoid removing the steering shaft and hood if there's a simpler method to clearing the stack. Thanks for any help.

 

[matthies]

This is a little redneck, but you might be able to try a yardstick or lath and push and twist it up into the stack pipe. What i can remember the air cleaner pipe itself is just a straight open pipe and just the angled piece you can see in the cutouts is the only baffle. And they can be plugged up.

 

[ET]

3 bolts hold the lower can with the wire mesh in it to the cast iron top piece. Pull it off and you can flush it in parts cleaner. On my B I was able to reach up under the hood and loosen the bolts without removing the hood.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

If taking the cup off eliminated the problem then it's in the filter, not the stack.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Hot pressure washer both directions you will need to remove the air cleaner. This will clean out the stack as well. If you don’t have a pressure washer find someone who does or a local car wash. Clean up your mess when you are done and use low pressure setting. You will be amazed at what’s gonna come out. The 52 you can see an inner baffle tube but stuff will still come out both ways it will take quite awhile of flushing but it will be much better when you are done. Be sure and let it dry out good a few days when you are done and the best thing would be to then flip it upside down and oil it once then set it on the used oil drain for a couple days and let all the excess drain out. It’s kindof a pain in the buns that the stack is part of it. Older ones and the g they came off 4 bolts.

 

[rick56]

Hot pressure washer both directions you will need to remove the air cleaner. This will clean out the stack as well. If you don’t have a pressure washer find someone who does or a local car wash. Clean up your mess when you are done and use low pressure setting. You will be amazed at what’s gonna come out. The 52 you can see an inner baffle tube but stuff will still come out both ways it will take quite awhile of flushing but it will be much better when you are done. Be sure and let it dry out good a few days when you are done and the best thing would be to then flip it upside down and oil it once then set it on the used oil drain for a couple days and let all the excess drain out. It’s kindof a pain in the buns that the stack is part of it. Older ones and the g they came off 4 bolts.

I want to thank all who replied, I appreciate the input. Since this will be an "outdoor job" I'm leaning towards getting the pressure washer after it as soon as our temperatures start staying above freezing. We've had overnight lows below zero the last few days here in balmy southern Minnesota, It could be another 6 weeks before that happens. I'll be sure to post back the results. Thanks again.