Just because one has removed the carburetor, does not mean that they know everything about installing one. So, here is some important guidance.
Installing Carburetor Onto Engine
- A carburetors fuel supply must be clean and unrestricted. No matter how well a carburetor has been restored, if the fuel supply is dirty or restricted the carburetor will soon not function properly.
- The carburetor should be installed with the vehicle outside in the open air.
- Loosely attach carburetor to engine intake manifold, using gasket, and lock washers with two 5/16-18 bolts that are 3/4" long. Do not yet tighten.
- Connect the choke rod, spring, and sleeve to the choke driver. This is done by sliding spring and sleeve up the rod until rod can be connected to the driver, and then release spring tension.
- Connect throttle linkage, which is spring loaded, to the carburetor throttle arm.
- Inspect ferrule on the fuel line for any damage and that the ferrule is not more than 3/16" from the end of the line. If the ferrule has been deformed to fit a carburetor casting with a damaged fitting seat, it needs to be replaced. If ferrule is more than 3/16" from the end of the fuel line, the line can press against the Filter Strainer causing a fuel flow restriction. So, the ferrule will need to be replaced. To ensure that a new ferrule is properly position, I insert a 1/2-20 by 3/4" long bolt into the Filter Strainer hole. Then when line and ferrule are tightened into place, the ferrule is forced to be in the proper position.
- Connect the fuel line to the carburetor, tightening it with either at 1/2" or 9/16" wrench.
- When a carburetor has been lying on its side, the float can catch on the side of the casting. It is suggested that carburetor be shaken just before installation. When a carburetor is first installed on an engine and the vehicles fuel shut off valve is opened the first time, a carburetor may leak gasoline initially because the float has stuck. It is important that when fuel shut off valve is opened this first time, one must observe the carburetor for the first 30 seconds to see if it leaks. Be prepared to tap the carburetor on its most forward end several times with a small hammer or other object to cause float valve to seat properly. The leak should stop in a few seconds and not reoccur.