So it sounds like the AFB was the most prevalent 4 barrel on passenger cars. Curious, since ford developed its own with the 4100. I would think there would be a savings not sourcing carbs from independent companies.

Regarding vacuum secondaries, I wasn't sure whether mine were opening until I stuck a loop of duct tape on the diaphragm housing so that it rubbed against the actuator arm, then smeared a film of heavy grease on the arm. The duct tape leaves a track in the grease as the arm is pulled into the diaphragm housing. I can't know if they're always working, but they definitely do at least sometimes!

1954 Crestline Victoria 312 4-bbl, 3-speed overdrive

I also bought a complete stock 1957 Mercury engine that was equipped with an AFB.
Could it be that AFBs were only used on automatic transmission cars because of their integral dashpots and possibly only in Mercs?


"FREE SAMPLE"

While I’ve only seen the AFB carbs on the 1957 Mercury 312’s, I’ve come across both AFB’s and Autolite 4100 carbs on the 1957 Ford 312’s.  All the Mercs I've dealt with had automatic transmissions which could help to explain the AFB only scenario.  My recent 1957 Ford acquisition that had an unmolested 312 was AFB equipped along with the automatic transmission.  This was a Dallas built car.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Had an AFB or Has?



Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Frank.  ‘Had’ as the engine and tranny was removed and the 2 dr. post body sold to a local guy.  The engine and its related parts are stored in the core building.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

hey guys, mercury was using carter carbs since 54, lincoln from 56, ford was using holley forever. supply and demand. autolite was just starting to make 4100's and they may not have been ready untill late in the year. everyone was trying to keep up with nascar performance in 56-57 untill the horspower ban. they all made a lot of carbs for the new engines made for 58.with big cu. in. since they were all new in 57, supply might have been a factor. just a thought.


 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.

i had a low milage 57 merc it had a holley from new,it also had the 4 headlights,canada may have had diferent carbs.

My 312 Victoria Town Sedan currently has the Carter, from new by the look of it. Never been happy with it so it's going to be replaced with a 4100. I've found that the Carter is a very complicated carb, that's hard to set up, whereas the 4100 is much simpler and more reliable. I'll let you know what differences I notice after doing the swap.

References to the Ford/Autolite 4100s should keep in mind that there were two versions of that carb. A 1.08 model & a 1.12 model. Apparently the 1.12 s were used on larger engines. Some later ones were also designed for anti smog setups.. When Ted tested both models on his mildly modified 312 test mule, the 1.08 tested well, but the 1.12 was near the bottom.    


Paul

Bought a 4v intake manifold a couple years ago. Seller said he'd include the carb too. It showed up with an ancient looking Carter carb on it. Wasn't worth using as there were many pieces missing/broke on it. I had 2 other carbs I was going to use. A 4100 that starts, runs and drives just great and a Holley that the engine absolutely loves. Runs really strong. The Carter didn't go unused though, I use it for a doorstop in the garage.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409