Edit: Looked at the car and have some more questions...

 

I'm seriously considering buying a local '84 wagon for $300, and all it needs is a carb.

 

The local JY has carbs for $40, I just need to pull it.

 

My question is, what do I look for to get a good carb? I've read the threads about finding webers vs. hitachi. All I'm worried about is finding one that works.

 

So do I basically need to make sure all the moving parts move? Not rusted? etc.

 

Supposedly when this car did have the carb, it didn't want to run. It was taken off to get rebuilt, then the guys kid moved and lost it. With this limited information, could I get another carb, slap it on, and maybe drive it off?

 

thanks for the help

-Dave

Common sense states that the cleaner around the carb (oil, grease, coolant...spills and stains), the better condition of the carb. Common sense also says you'd be money and time ahead to rebuild it before you put it on. A rebuild kit would be worth its weight down the road.

Just looked at the car...

 

the good:

1984 GL wagon, 158,000 miles, few body dings, 4 spd d/r tranny, removed carb has had a paper towel in the intake, been sitting since 1998.

Oil looks good.

I can manually turn the crank, although it's rather stiff.

tires on it look shot, but it comes with another set on rims that look alright.

 

the bad:

one side of the intake manifold has been unbolted and propped up, exposing that side to moisture. The PCV hose going to the other head is missing, again exposing it to moisture.

Driver side window has been cracked about 4 inches for who knows how long outside not covered.

 

 

So, is it worth it to buy it, get it running, then either sell (most likely) or convert to off road beast?

 

I get the feeling the owner just wants to get rid of it, so I can probably grab it for $150ish.

 

thanks

Find my report on JY weber carbs. It is very informative