Air horn removed, the float...
Air horn removed, the float bowls and floor of the carburetor look typical for the age and mileage of this carburetor. The accelerator pump has been replaced in an earlier rebuild and looks dehydrated from setting up for a long period.
Working on an AFB requires a clean workspace and good lighting. Adjustments demand the right gauges and linkage-bending wrenches. Once disassembled, the carburetor needs caustic soaking to remove gum, varnish, and fuel deposits. Safer cleaners meet California standards and do not soak into your garage walls and floors. Read labels carefully, and use protective measures. Fumes and leaded fuel deposits are hazardous. Use appropriate gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when advisable.
Always rebuild an AFB to factory standards and tolerances. Use the Corvette workshop manual and the instruction sheet found in a quality rebuild kit. A rebuild can restore horsepower, improve fuel efficiency, and contribute to driving fun. When a simple ignition tune-up fails to deliver, consider rebuilding the carburetor. Toss in a new fuel filter, too, and see what a fresh Carter AFB can do!
Carburetor overhaul kits: See your local NAPA (Echlin) retailer.
| Difficulty Index - 2 Wrenches |
| Anyone’s Project: no tools required | 1 Wrench |
| Beginner: basic tools | 2 Wrenches |
| Experienced: special tools | 3 Wrenches |
| Accomplished: special tools and outside help | 4 Wrenches |
| Professionals Only: send this work out | 5 Wrenches |
Air horn flipped over, the...
Air horn flipped over, the two floats and needle assemblies are visible. The needles, seats, and gaskets will be replaced. All metal parts require cleaning. Brass floats hold up well and seldom need replacement unless signs of cracking or leaks exist.
Needle seat has a soft screwdriver...
Needle seat has a soft screwdriver slot. When loosening a seasoned needle seat, resistance may distort the slot. Here, a common screw extractor removes the old seat. Be certain to remove any brass debris that sloughs into fuel passageways.
Metal parts require soaking...
Metal parts require soaking in carburetor cleaner. Avoid soaking plastic, rubber, or nylon parts. The rebuild kit will include new gaskets, seals, and-most often-rubber pieces. Without scratching the aluminum, remove gasket material before soaking parts.
Parts clean up thoroughly...
Parts clean up thoroughly with a dip in caustic carburetor cleaner and a water rinse. Any part with passageways should be blown out, using a clean, dry compressed air source. Venturi and body passages require flow testing with compressed air.
Restoration involves appearance,...
Restoration involves appearance, too! These body parts and all oxidized metal pieces get medium blasted. Aluminum is easy to restore with light abrasive cleaning. Softer abrasives create a semi-polished look. An AFB is neither anodized nor coated.
Compare jet sizes with those...
Compare jet sizes with those listed in the factory workshop manual or Carter specifications. Passageways cleared, reinstall the jets. Use a screwdriver that fills the slot. Avoid damaging the brass. Tighten jets securely.
Note the dual accelerator...
Note the dual accelerator pump wells on this carburetor. The single pump goes to the jetted side of the body. The unused pump well is easy to identify, as there is no accelerator pump hole in the air horn.
Install the new needle seats...
Install the new needle seats and supplied gaskets. Secure seats with the correct tool. The driver shown fits vintage Chevrolet or Corvette "Blue Flame" six-cylinder distributors and works nicely here. A broad-tipped screwdriver will suffice.
Needle and float in place,...
Needle and float in place, you can check the float measurements. Do not press the needle into its seat, as damage to a Viton or brass tip can result. Let the float fall naturally into position. Measure and adjust the floats to factory specification.