Argh! Rebuilding 4bbl Weber ... can't get top & bottom halves apart!

[SoloTSi97]

Having used info from this site and the Mercruiser factory service manual to test the ignition & fuel systems, I came to the conclusion that the carb on my 1995 4.3LX (4bbl Weber) needs rebuilt. I ordered the kit and decided to tear it apart tonight. I found a pretty good video series on Youtube that shows disassembly of a very similar 9000 series Carter/Weber to follow, which will help make sure I stay on track.

Thing is ... I'm to the point where the top half should come off of the bottom half. But, it will not budge. It looks like there is a paper gasket in between the two halves, but it looks like some gasket sealer was used as well. I've gone carefully all around the perimeter with a carpet knife and have gotten all of the gasket material out that I can reach from the outside. I still can't get the top half to budge. I don't want to stick anything in between the two to pry, but even if I did want to there isn't enough of gap to get anything in there strong enough to pry.

Any tips on disassembly from those that have been there, done that??

Thanks!

-Bob

 

[Bt Doctur]

remove the metering rods first, then 9 screws and lift the top off http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/16/16B5R2.PDF

 

[MikDee]

I don't know if this is like a Quadrajet, but they have 2 tiny (almost hidden) screws in the primary venturi right thru the jets, take a look there? Also make sure the flame arrestor center rod is out too.

 

[SoloTSi97]

remove the metering rods first, then 9 screws and lift the top off http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/16/16B5R2.PDF

Thanks, I was following the service manual. Turns out it was just good and stuck ... I clamped the bottom half to my workbench and tapped around on the upper half with a rubber mallet until it popped apart. The float bowl was full of all sorts of junk, so I'm pretty sure I found the cause for the poor running!

 

[NHGuy]

Nice, you're on your way!

 

[SoloTSi97]

No Title

Next up ... I took everything apart last night and got the hard parts soaking. I picked up a couple of cans of carb cleaner this morning and started going at the carb housing itself with a toothbrush & pipe cleaners. However, when I look down into where the accelerator pump sits, I see what I assume is a Bad Thing (tm). I haven't found any extra pieces, so I assume that the carb has been this way for a while now (ran fine last season, when we bought it). Am I correct in assuming that what looks like a piece cracked off (see photos) isn't supposed to be that way??