Q&A for How to Adjust a Carburetor

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How do you tell if a carburetor is rich or lean?

Hovig Manouchekian
Auto Repair & Design Specialist
Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.

Hovig Manouchekian

Auto Repair & Design Specialist

Expert Answer

Take the vehicle to a mechanic and have it scanned to check the air-fuel mixture of the vehicle. Then, there's special tooling you can use to get those readings adjusted properly.

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Question

How do you maintain a carburetor?

Hovig Manouchekian
Auto Repair & Design Specialist
Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.

Hovig Manouchekian

Auto Repair & Design Specialist

Expert Answer

Inspect the carburetor for carbon buildup—they're notorious for that. If there is buildup, you'll need to clean it.

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Question

How do I identify two screws in a carb that's idle mixture and idle screw?

Community Answer

These screws usually are in the place where the fuel lines lead to the carburetor. If not, refer to your service manual or search online for the part number.

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Question

How do I tune a bike carburetor for optimal mileage and performance?

Community Answer

A bike carburetor is automatically set when the bike is assembled for optimal mileage and performance. They are stock settings. You should not have to tune anything unless the carburetor is malfunctioning.

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Question

I have a 1978 Dodge 318. I added an electric fuel pump and it ran fine, but now it runs for about 20 minutes and wants to stall out when I give it gas. Any advice?

Community Answer

Since the pump is the last thing you replaced that can also cause that exact event; I would start there. The pump sounds like it may have failed, or may have failed prematurely due to incorrect installation. Stalling under load or higher rpm is indicative of a lack of fuel. Test fuel pressure and follow diagnostic steps from there.

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Question

What do I do to get a different air level in my carburetor?

Community Answer

Depending on the manufacturer (this is a massive point, as Holley, Edelbrock, and Quadrajet each use different tuning methods, namely, Edelbrocks only let you change air ratio, not the fuel ratio). There should be adjustment screws located near the fuel lines. Additionally, some carburetors have adjustable vacuum sensitivity, changing the way throttle behaves. If you're simply looking for more airflow, a larger carburetor will do the trick.

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Question

How do I convert my double carburetor to a single carburetor?

Community Answer

This is not a common thing to do; you'll be self-manufacturing parts for this carburetor. Ideally you'd want to simply buy a single-barrel carb. If you mean converting from two separate carbs to only one, buy an intake manifold meant to fit a single carburetor.

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