How to rebuild automotive carburetors

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(Actual rebuild procedure)
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The overall steps are the same no matter what type of carburetor you are rebuilding.
 
The overall steps are the same no matter what type of carburetor you are rebuilding.
*1 Identifying what you have
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* Identifying what you have
*2 Purchasing the right kit
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* Purchasing the right kit
*3 Purchasing some sort of cleaning media
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* Purchasing some sort of cleaning media
*4 Rebuilding the carb.
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* Rebuilding the carb.
  
To do a rebuild I like to get an old cake pan to work in. This makes it so if you drop parts they dont get lost. It is a good idea to take some pictures as you go through the dis-assembly process, they could come in handy for reference later.
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To keep from losing small parts, work over a clean, well lit work space. An old cake pan works well for holding larger parts as the carb is disassembled. Small parts like the check balls, needle and seat, metering rods and springs, etc. can be stored in pill bottles, for example. It is a good idea to take some pictures as you go through the disassembly process, they could come in handy for reference later. Most rebuild kits will have an exploded view of the carb to help with the reassembly as well.
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Usually the top (air horn) comes off first, after any linkages are removed like the accelerator pump link on the Q-jet.
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Next remove the float and needle so they don't fall out when the carb is inverted to remove the base plate. Once off you can turn the carburetor over and remove the base plate. It is a good idea to look at the instruction sheet that comes with the kit so you know where all the check balls and other small parts that may fall out go. On Holley style carburetors with removable metering plates and fuel bowls these also need to be removed. Remove all needle valves and rubber parts from the outside of the carburetor.
  
Usually the top (air horn) comes off first, then the base plate. Be careful if turning the carb over after you have the air horn off as small parts could fall out. It is a good idea to look at the instruction sheet that comes with the kit so you know where all the check balls and other small parts that may fall out go. To remove the air horn there are generally 4-6 screws and some linkage that will need to be disconnected. These should be fairly obvious. Once off you can turn the carburetor over and remove the base plate. On Holley style carburetors with removable metering plates and fuel bowls these also need to be removed. Remove all needle valves and rubber parts from the outside of the carburetor.
 
 
Try to preserve the gaskets if you can. A lot of the kits come with gaskets for several models of the same carburetor and using the correct gasket is critical. You can use the old ones to match the correct new ones.
 
Try to preserve the gaskets if you can. A lot of the kits come with gaskets for several models of the same carburetor and using the correct gasket is critical. You can use the old ones to match the correct new ones.
  
Once you have it torn down all the parts need to soak in your carburetor cleaning solution. I like to soak them over night. While they are soaking it is a good time to go over the instructions that came with the kit. These will go over the adjustments that will need to be performed. A good kit will also have a good exploded view to use as a guide.
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Once you have it torn down, all the parts need to soak in your carburetor cleaning solution. Follow the directions for the cleaner that's being used. It's best to not over soak the carb parts that have a dichromate finish so the finish isn't removed. While the parts are soaking, it's a good time to go over the instructions that came with the kit. They will include the adjustments that will need to be performed. A good kit will also have a good exploded view to use as a guide.
Check all the parts to identify what you will be replacing. At a minimum all gaskets, needle and seat and the accelerator pump. Some will have additional parts as well.
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Once the carburetor has soaked, rinse it clean with water and blow out all passages with compressed air.
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Check all the parts to identify what you will be replacing. At a minimum all gaskets, needle and seat and the accelerator pump need to be replaced. Some kits will have additional parts as well. Once the carburetor has soaked, rinse it clean with water and blow out all passages with compressed air.
 
Re-assemble using the kit instructions and your pictures as a guide.
 
Re-assemble using the kit instructions and your pictures as a guide.
  
  
 
[[Category:Good Articles]]
 
[[Category:Good Articles]]

Revision as of 23:32, 16 February 2012

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