Senators Would Back Carlucci

WASHINGTON —  Senators of both parties predicted today that Frank C. Carlucci, President Reagan’s national security adviser, would be easily confirmed as secretary of defense if nominated as expected to replace Caspar W. Weinberger.

Weinberger’s resignation and Carlucci’s selection are likely to be announced later this week, according to Administration and congressional sources speaking on condition of anonymity. The sources said Carlucci would be replaced as director of the National Security Council staff by Army Lt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, who is currently Carlucci’s deputy. Powell would be the first black to hold that position and would be the sixth national security adviser in Reagan’s presidency. Weinberger, 70, plans to leave because his wife, Jane, is in poor health, suffering from cancer and from severe arthritis, the sources said.