How to Adjust a Tillotson Carburetor
by Carl PruitThe Tillotson carburetor is used on small engines designed primarily for go-carts. You can adjust the carburetor in just a few minutes. The carburetor uses a low-speed and high-speed set screw that you can adjust fairly easily with just a screwdriver. The high-speed set screw includes a "T" on the end, allowing you to adjust the screw by hand.
Step 1
Locate the idle set screw at the very bottom of the Tillotson carburetor. Turn it clockwise with a screwdriver until you completely close it without over-tightening the screw.
Step 2
Find the low-speed adjustment screw with the "L" next to it on the carburetor body. Turn the low-speed screw all the way clockwise and back it out counterclockwise one and a half turns.
Step 3
Locate the high-speed adjustment screw with the "H" on the body. Turn the high-speed screw all the way clockwise and back it off counterclockwise three-quarters of a turn.
Step 4
Start the motor and let it warm up for a few minutes. If the engine is having trouble starting, adjust the low-speed screw just a bit to get it started.
Step 5
Turn the low-speed screw until you can hear the motor slow down. Adjust the screw as slow as you can get the engine to run without stalling out.
Step 6
Open the carburetor throttle all the way and adjust the high-speed screw as high as it will go while still running smoothly. Turn the high-speed screw back one-eighth and shut off the engine.
References
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
Warnings
- To avoid burn injuries, be careful when adjusting the hot carburetor while it is running as well as moving engine parts in which clothing can get caught.
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
