Corvette Carburetor Rebuild - Carter AFB Blueprint Rebuild

An alternative to the straight, 32nds-inch ruler is a caliper. Here, float height matches specs for this AFB application. The air horn gasket in place, floats resting against their needles, read the measurement at the toe of each float.

Float drop is a crucial measurement with the AFB. Too much drop and the needle can stick in the open position. Not enough float drop will restrict fuel flow. Specs call for a new gasket in place, measuring at the toe of the float.

Floats adjusted properly, the air horn can be carefully installed on the main body. Note that all main body parts were installed before placing the air horn on the body. Step-up pistons, springs, and metering rods install from the topside of the air horn.

Polish step-up pistons and rods as necessary. They must move freely in the body of the carburetor. Springs must be in excellent condition, as their precise calibration counters the amount of vacuum pull at each piston.

Accelerator pump rod height is another crucial measurement. Linkage installed and adjusted properly will determine the pump stroke and timing of the accelerator pump. Here, the depth gauge end of a caliper makes this measurement easier.

Adjustments follow indexing steps on the carburetor levers and linkage. Sequence of adjustments is important. Choke adjustments affect cold start, warm-up, and fuel economy. See the carburetor kit instructions or Corvette shop manual for details.

The choke housing and piston look like new after the dipping process. The choke mechanism must move freely, without excess piston play. Remedy any cold start or warm-up issues here. Make sure the bimetallic spring and cover are in top condition.

New housing gasket, hold-down springs, and screws restore this choke housing. Handle the cover with care; these parts are fragile and becoming rare. Adjust the spring tension and housing position to factory or carburetor kit specifications.

A new fuel inlet filter and gasket will help prevent contamination of your freshly built carburetor. Brass fitting is the original but looks new after polishing with a soft wire wheel. Simple detailing like this pays off in appearance points.

Completely assembled, the carburetor looks new. Bead-blasting restored the body and air horn surfaces, and the original "tag" is now in place. The tag number and casting numbers on the carburetor body determine authenticity.

Choke linkage, secondary linkage, and function of the throttle and choke valves should be checked on the bench. Make sure each adjustment is on specification before installing the carburetor on the engine.

This view shows choke function and idle mixture screws in place. Polish needles with a Scotch pad to assure accurate idle mixture adjustments. Some AFB carburetors use a brass idle air speed screw (shown). Typical Corvette applications use a throttle stop screw.