How to Set the Float Level on a Weber Carburetor
by Michelle Schaefer
Setting the float height on a Weber carburetor is important to the proper operation of the engine. Any time a new or rebuilt carburetor is used, the float height must be checked. A float level that is too high will cause the engine to run rich and may flood the carburetor with too much gas. A float that is too low will make the engine run lean and cause poor performance. Adjusting the float height is an easy task that does not require special tools or expertise.
Step 1
Remove the fuel line, choke thermostat wire and carburetor flange mounting bolts. Remove the throttle linkage and lift the carburetor off the vehicle. Place a clean shop rag over the exposed intake manifold to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine.
Step 2
Remove the six retaining screws on the top of the carburetor. Remove the clip holding on the choke linkage. Be careful not to damage the clip. Remove the top of the carburetor. The carburetor may have gasoline inside the float bowl; drain any residual gas into a fuel proof container and dispose of properly.
Step 3
Hold the carburetor at approximately a 45-degree angle and allow the float to hang freely. Measure the bottom of the float to ensure both sides are parallel to the gasket surface of the carburetor body. Bend the float to correct any warpage between the two sides of the float.
Step 4
Hold the carburetor upside down so that the float is resting on the float valve. Measure from the bottom surface of the float to the machined gasket surface of the carburetor body. Bend the float tab until the reading is 1.5 inches or 38.5 mm.
Step 5
Install the top of the carburetor and tighten the six hold down screws. Attach the choke rod with the retaining clip. Remove the shop rag on the intake manifold and install the carburetor on the vehicle. Connect the fuel line, throttle linkage, choke wire and hold down bolts. Start the vehicle and check for leaks.
References
- "Weber Carburetor Manual: Including Zenith, Stromberg and SU Carburetors"; Haynes; 1995
Things You'll Need
- Flat-tip screwdriver
- Metric wrench set
- Shop rags
- Fuel proof container
- Steel metric ruler
Warnings
- Gasoline is highly flammable. Avoid open flames or ignition sources when working around raw gas.
Writer Bio
Michelle Schaefer began writing in 1998 for "The Pennsylvania Homeschooler" with advice for parents educating their handicapped children at home. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Kutztown University in 1991.
