Carburetor Installation Tech Sheet
IMPORTANT: READ ME FIRST
Replacing the carburetor is only one step in achieving the engine.
performance you want. For best results, follow these procedures
before and after installation.
Before Installation: ALWAYS DO THESE 3 STEPS:
1. Change the fuel filter:
Dirt that has been freed-up by moving the fuel line will find its way
into the carburetor and cause flooding.
2. Flush the fuel line:
This will help the filter start clean and also remove dirt and grit
that is in the system.
3. Check for fuel leaks:
Lines and hoses must be in good condition and properly
fastened. Any leaking can give the appearance of a
carburetor problem.
Problem Checklist:
Flooding carburetor - 10,11
Rough idle/stalls - 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14
Stumbles on acceleration - 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12,13
Hard to start - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,11
Misses - 5,6,7,8,12,13,14
Black soot in the carburetor (backfire) - 5,6,7,8
Poor fuel mileage - 2,3,4,5,6,7,10,11,14,15
Pings - 2,5,9,14,15
Fuel leak - 10
Overheating - 11,15
Won't go over 20-30 MPH - 10,14
Whistling - 11,12
Diagnostic Procedure:
1. Begin with a fully charged battery
2. Check the air filter (cleaner):
a. Hot air tube: Is the tube missing or disconnected?
b. Air filter element: Is it clean and not restricting airflow?
c. Vacuum motor operation: Check the vacuum switch and door operation.
d. Vacuum leaks: All hoses connected and in good shape?
3. Choke:
a. Stuck choke linkages? (do not apply oil to the choke linkage).
b. Clogged intake manifold crossover passage?
c. External choke: See instruction card packed with carburetor.
d. Choke heat tube: Open and not rusted completely through?
e. Choke pull-off operating?
4. Check PCV: Replace every 10-12,000 miles
5. Distributor:
a. Distributor cap: Is it cracked or are there signs of carbon tracking?
b. Ignition points: Adjust to manufacturer's specifications. Is dwell correct?
Are points pitted or burned?
c. Condenser?
d. Timing: Set to manufacturer's specifications?
e. Vacuum advance mechanism: Does it advance and retard?
f. Mechanical advance mechanism: Is it stuck?
g. Distributor rotor: Is it in good condidtion?
h. Computer and controls: Properly connected and adjusted?
6. Spark plugs:
a. Are they correct for the application?
b. Condition?
c. Gap properly set to manufacturer's specifications?
7. Spark plug wires:
a. Visual check for cracks, hardness or brittleness. (no arcing)
b. Check for resistance, most resistance style wires should not exceed
100,000 ohms.
8. Compression:
a. Conect a vacuum gauge and check for consistent vacuum.
b. Do a compression test to evaluate valve or ring condition.
9. EGR:
a. Disconnect the vacuum line: if the vehicle smooths out, the EGR valve or
vacuum switch may be the problem.
b. Thermal vacuum switch: check with a vacuum pump.
c. Vacuum leaks?
10. Fuel:
a. Fuel filter blocked?
b. Fuel pressure correct?
c. Fuel volume correct?
d. What type of fuel are you using?
e. Flooding: Disconnect and plug the fuel line, run the vehicle until the float
bowl empties, flush and reconnect the fuel line and the new fuel should flush
the needle valve seat.
f. Flooding: Lightly tap the fuel inlet. It will sometimes free up the debris
holding open the needle valve.
11. Carburetor:
a. Overheating: Installation of a heat shield on some vehicles will cure the problem.
b. Grid heat: Check that it is working; turning on and off correctly.
c. Acceleration pump: Full stream of fuel and free of air?
d. Idle mixture adjustment: Done to manufacturer's specification?
e. Idle speed adjustment?
f. Blocked carburetor vent or carbon cannister?
g. Over-tightened wing nut on the air cleaner will deform the air horn and
cause choke problems.
h. Vacuum connections correct and in good shape?
12. Vacuum leaks:
a. Hoses cracked? Disconnected? Loose fittings should be replaced.
b. Poor carburetor gasket: Not bolted down evenly.
c. Vacuum diaphragm leaks?
d. Manifold leaks? Check with water or oil. If ther's a leak, it will be sucked
into the opening and effect RPM.
e. Uncapped vacuum pipes? All should be plugged.
f. Brake booster diaphragm or transmission modulator leaks?
13. Thermal Devices:
a. Stuck radiator or thermostat?
b. thermal vacuum switches damaged?
14. Exhaust:
a. Restricted exhaust?
b. Catalytic converter blocked?
c. Air pump?
d. Oxygen sensor?
15. Other:
a. Too many power accessories?
b. Engine condition?
c. Drive train condition?
d. Brake drag?
e. Driving habits?
f. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance.
After Installation:
Other tune-up problems usually show up after installation. Use this step-by-step
diagnostic check list to rule out other problems. You may want to go through it entirely,
or simply skip to the problem you've experienced.
NOTE: All carburetors are fully tested. They have to pass rigid flow testing before leaving
the factory. If engine performance problems occur after installation, be sure to check all
possible causes before returning for warranty.