How to Adjust a Dodge Carburetor
by Carl PruitThe standard size carburetors used by Dodge are typically the two-barrel style with two adjustment screws to assist in tuning the carburetor. They have a simple design that allows you to make the adjustments to your carburetor fairly easily. Adjusting your Dodge carburetor should only take you about 30 minutes and will save you a lot of money in labor costs. It will also help you to save some money by using less fuel as your engine burns gas more efficiently due to the carburetor being properly adjusted.
Step 1
Take the air cleaner off of the top of the Dodge carburetor by removing the wing nut on the air cleaner by hand and setting it aside. Locate the two adjustment screws on the lower barrel of your carburetor. The upper adjustment screw is the idle mixture screw, while the lower one is your idle speed adjustment.
Step 2
Start the Dodge engine and allow it to idle until the motor is warmed up and the choke valve in the carburetor barrel is open. Locate the vacuum hose that is attached to the vacuum outlet port on the carburetor barrel. Remove the vacuum hose and attach the tachometer to the vacuum outlet port.
Step 3
Turn the idle mixture screw clockwise until you feel the screw stop at the bottom and then turn the screw counter-clockwise two complete 360-degree turns. Repeat this process with the idle speed adjustment screw.
Step 4
Check the tachometer gauge and read the rpm level. A properly adjusted idle speed should have a reading of about 850 rpm. Turn the idle speed adjustment screw with a screwdriver until the tachometer reads 850 rpm. Turn the idle mixture screw clockwise one-fourth of a turn to lean out the fuel mixture. Check the rpm again on the tachometer and turn the idle speed adjustment screw until it returns to 850.
Step 5
Turn the idle mixture screw another one-fourth turn clockwise to continue leaning out the fuel mixture. Check the tachometer and again return it to 850 rpm. Continue this process until the idle mixture is low enough that the engine almost stalls out, then turn the idle mixture screw counter-clockwise 1/4 turn and check the tachometer. Set the idle speed screw one more time to 850 rpm.
Step 6
Remove the tachometer from the vacuum outlet port and reattach the vacuum hose. Place the air cleaner back on top of the carburetor and secure it with the wing nut. Turn the engine off and remove your tools.
Things You'll Need
- Tachometer
- Screwdriver
Warnings
- A hot engine can be extremely dangerous. Do not work on an engine that is hot if you can avoid it at all.
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.
