TBI To Carb

Taz59

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Apr 10, 2003
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304
I have a 1997 Volvo Penta 5.7GLi TBi Engine.
What parts do I need to do to covert to carb, can I still use the low pressure pump and just modify the electrics, anyone else done this if so can you please help me out
 

Walt T

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Mar 16, 2002
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Why not fix the TBI? It's WAY better than carb. If it's a modified engine, well yeah TBI becomes a nightmare. But yeah, you can convert. If you don't replace the fuel pump with a low pressure unit, you'll need a pressure regulator to bring pressure down to manageable levels, an intake manifold (or an adapter) and carburetor. You'l have to adapt the fuel line to the carburetor (TIP: Use hi pressure fuel injection hose and double clamp all connections) If you don't have a fuel/water separator now is a good time to install one. I have heard different things about the return line, one is to just tee it in and excess fuel will just return to tank negating the need for a pressure regulator. I disagree. I think it's possible to dump too much fuel this way. Your ignition timing is also computer controlled so you should replace the distributor with a Prestolite unit or comparable. Some guys don't but I personally want that control over ignition timing. Not that I'm OCD or anything, I'm far from it. I don't care if my wrenches have fingerprint smudges on them while they are hung up in perfect order with perfect spacing between them.
 

Tail_Gunner

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Jan 13, 2006
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You sure seem to have a dead short going on. Cant you isolate the source to the arching
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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I don't see a problem in changing over. i would be thinking the same thing. If you have a Delco EST on there, which I am 99.9% positive you do, you may have to wire it so its stand alone so that the ECM doesn't hook up to it but that is easy since they can run fine stand alone. Your current set up uses a knock module and that is what the ECM uses to advance/retard spark. You can just get rid of that alltogether.
 
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MikDee

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Jun 6, 2007
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Just curious, do you have a flat top Dist. cap on there, a "crab cap"? If so, they've been known to have issues with cracks, & arcing inside the cap because the top plastic is too thin. If so get yourself a NAPA best gold cap to replace it, I believe for a 1997 Chevy truck motor.
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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MikDee....never seen a cap like that for a Delco EST distributor.
 

Walt T

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Mar 16, 2002
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I read your first post, and you say you checked voltage on ecm wiring. You should never do that without the proper equipment that plugs into the system and gives you those readings. Tapping into the sensor wires, injector wires, kids braces wires, getting wired on coffee can damage the ecm. It is sensitive enough to be damaged by the ground connection you use on a test light or voltmeter.
 
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Taz59

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 10, 2003
Messages
304
Bought a new ECU,so will let you all know how I get on, if that fails its going to Marine Volvo Mechanic
 
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