How to Adjust a Two-Barrel Holley Carburetor
by Carl Pruit
The Holley two-barrel carburetor is designed with two adjustment screws located near the base of the carburetor. The curb idle speed screw allows for adjusting the RPMs to the correct level when the vehicle is idling in gear, while the idle mixture screw sets the correct RPM level when the vehicle is idling in park. Adjusting the Holley two-barrel carburetor can be done in just a few minutes. You can adjust the carburetor yourself, thus saving time and money.
Step 1
Locate the curb idle speed screw and the idle mixture screw; both can be found at the base of the two-barrel Holley carburetor. Turn the screws carefully with a screwdriver in a counter-clockwise direction, until the screws bottom out and you feel resistance.
Step 2
Turn both screws clockwise 1 1/4 turns to use as a starting point to adjust the carburetor. Start the motor, letting it warm up for about five minutes.
Step 3
Remove the rubber vacuum hose from the vacuum port on the side of the carburetor. Attach a vacuum gauge to the vacuum port.
Step 4
Adjust the screws, moving them 1/8 of a turn at a time in a clockwise direction, alternating back and forth. Continue adjusting until both screws have readings of 600 RPMs on the vacuum gauge.
Step 5
Remove the vacuum gauge from the vacuum port on the carburetor, by hand. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum port.
Step 6
Shut the engine off and allow it to cool down.
References
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum gauge
Warnings
- Always be cautious not to get burned by hot engine parts when adjusting the Holley two-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.
