How to Adjust Motorcraft 2 Barrels
by Carl PruitAdjusting the Motorcraft 2 barrel carburetor to the proper settings will provide you with more performance and better fuel mileage. The Motorcraft 2 barrel carburetor has two idle mixture adjustment screws on the front near the base, and an idle speed adjustment screw next to the choke cable. The carburetor can be adjusted with some basic tools in just a few minutes, keeping the engine running properly and helping to extend the life of the motor.
Step 1
Turn the two idle mixture adjustment screws clockwise with a screwdriver until they stop. Do not over-tighten the screws. Turn both screws back 1 1/2 turns counterclockwise to have an even start point for adjusting the Motorcraft 2 barrel carburetor.
Step 2
Start the motor and let it warm up until you see the choke plate inside the carburetor open up. Remove the rubber vacuum hose from the vacuum port on the front of the carburetor and attach the vacuum gauge to the port.
Step 3
Turn the idle mixture adjustment screws on the front of the carburetor 1/4th of a turn at a time, alternating back and forth until they reach the highest reading possible on the vacuum gauge while maintaining the optimum smoothness.
Step 4
Locate the idle speed screw on the driver's side of the carburetor next to the choke lever. Have an assistant put the vehicle in "Drive" with their foot on the brake while you adjust the idle speed screw until it reaches between 600-700 RPMs on the vacuum gauge while running smoothly.
Step 5
Put the vehicle in "Park" and readjust the idle mixture screws in the front to the highest vacuum reading with the optimum smoothness. Both screws should be adjusted within a 1/4th of a turn of each other.
Step 6
Turn the motor off and remove the vacuum gauge from the front of the carburetor. Attach the rubber vacuum hose to the vacuum port on the Motorcraft 2 barrel carburetor.
References
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum gauge
Warnings
- To avoid burns, use care around hot engine parts when adjusting the Motorcraft 2 barrel carburetor.
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.
