Need some 318 help

[cudaken]

OK, it not my 318, I am a Big Block guy. Friend on mine on a train site 1981 D250 Van 318 does not like to start when it is a operating temp. OK, I know the cause of this, it is heat soaking of the Carburetor.

My problem is the Van is a 2 Barrel? Only 2 barrel's I ever owned came in Three's.  What make and carb gasket number should I tell him to get? If that does not solve it next step will be blocking off the heat risers in the heads / intake.

318 has 81,000 miles on it. He said his push rods are Mushroom shaped?    I am waiting on details about which end of the push rods are deformed. Where LA motors ball socket ends like a B / RB engine? Just seems odd a stock 318 could mushroom the ends with out bending first.

Thanks for the coming answers!

Cuda Ken