1937 Model 48: Automatic Choke and Vacuum Start Switch ADVICE PLEASE

[Gary W]

Fellas;  Good morning!  Please give me some advice on the 1937 Series 40 Automatic Choke and Vacuum Starter Switch:

 

1.  Automatic Choke.  Mine is inoperable and the choke is wired "OPEN" so the car will  run.  Of course, this makes starting a challenge since there is no way of choking the carburetor (MARVEL BD).  Is there someone out there that can repair/rebuild or has a functioning replacement I can purchase and install on the car.  Is this unit rebuildable?  Are there kits/parts/instructions?

 

2.  Vacuum Start Switch:  My switch functions ELECTRICALLY (confirmed with OHM Meter), but the vacuum disconnect does not function.  (This is why I ordered a new ring gear.....obviously it was engaging for a while.  Every tooth on my ring gear is "dished out" like it was cut on a lathe)  I had a very pleasant conversation with Bob of Bob's Automobile yesterday, and he told me they no longer reproduce these switches, and advised that I contact the forum/BCA/'37-'39/Torque Tube.........  So Again, if anyone can please steer me in the right direction I would truly appreciate any help.

 

THANK  YOU ALL for all your help and input.  I've already met some truly great people and wish you all a very happy, healthy Holiday and New Year!

 

Sincerely,

Gary Wheeler, NJ

[Mark Shaw]

• You should be able to buy a normally closed vacuum actuated switch & wire it to disconnect the starter solenoid when the engine starts and produces vacuum from the intake manifold.
• The automatic choke from another vehicle may also be adapted to work on your carb. (Carb King on this forum may have a better solution.)

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

The vacuum switches come up for sale regularly on eBay. If it was my car I would get rid of the Marvel and replace with a Carter. I think your throttle linkage might be different so be sure to research that issue. I have never seen a Marvel so I can not help with that.

[carbking]

This link may explain some issues (or maybe not):

 

http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Buick_1937_1938_carburetors.htm

 

And Gary, the electrical switches used on the later Carter carburetors (won't fit your 1937 as is) are readily available.

 

Jon.

Edited December 18, 2016 by carbking (see edit history)

[dibarlaw]

Gary:

 If you had read thus far you have the Marvel story pretty well explained. As per our phone conversation the only documentation I had found on the Marvel was in the reproduced Buick Service Bulletins for 37-38. Only the Stromberg is addressed in the owners manual and the Service manual. As I told you when we spoke my car seems to run fine. The choke works as does the vacuum starter switch.

Of course I do not know what I may be missing as to performance with a "GOOD" Carburetor. My issue is not wanting to change over all the linkage, manifold etc. since everything is working well. Although not to optimum.

This is the same set up as on my car.