Troubleshooting Carburetor Issues
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vanapeerTroubleshooting Carburetor Issues
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vanapeerEngine runs on
The likely causes of the engine running on are as
follows:
• Idling speed set too high.
• Ignition timing too far advanced.
• Mixture in carburettor too weak (idling).
These three factors tend to produce a wider
opening of the throttle butterfly.
• Carbon deposits in combustion chamber
(caused by prolonged use of choke and engine
failing to reach normal running temperature).
• Grade of fuel too low - higher octane rating
needed.
• Float chamber ventilation incorrectly adjusted
(twin carburettors only).
Checking and adjustment
Choke Control (Twin carburettors)
Check that both choke controls strike their stops
at the same time. If necessary, adjust the control
spindle linkages.
Fast idling (Stromberg)
Check the fast id I ing speed with the engine warm
as follows:
(Vacuum line to distributor plugged.)
a Place an 8 mm (0.315in) dia. spacer
(drill bit) between the notch in the cam
lever and the stop on the choke housing.
b Check that the fast idling speed is cor-
rect.
Adjust the stop screw on the throttle lever
if required.
Code on r/min fast-idling
cam
CM 81-82 1100 ± 50 "A6"
CM 83 1350 ± 50 "A8"
CA.CM84- 1350 ± 50 "ASA"
TMJA81-84 1100 ± 50 "A5"
Note
If the code on the cam differs from that shown for
a given engine variant, follow the setting applic-
able to the cam code.
Choke control (Pierburg)
Make sure the lever deflects fully when the choke
is pulled out.
Push in the choke. Make sure the lever is at the
lower limit of its travel and that the fast idling
screw is not touching the lever.
Adjust as necessary.
Fast idling (Pierburg)
Note
Disconnect the vacuum line to the distributor
and run the engine to normal operating tempera-
ture.
Pull out the choke until the mark on the choke
lever is in line with the fast idling screw.
Adjust the engine speed to 1350 ± 50 r/min by
means of the fast idling screw.
Choke (Pierburg)
Make sure the choke does not bind.
Check the valve disc and the corresponding seal-
ing surface on the carburettor body.
Remove any minor scratches using fine emery
cloth and lapping paste.
Basic setting of metering needle (Strom-
berg)
Tools: Needle adjusting tool 83 93 035
As regards twin carburettors, the basic setting
must be adjusted on both. The jet is fixed in the
carburettor and the height of the needle must
therefore be adjusted to effect the basic setting.
Proceed as follows.
1 Remove the damper and oil cap assembly.
2 Remove [Link] chamber cover and the
return spring.
3 Withdraw the piston and diaphragm to-
gether.
4 Using tool 83 93 035, bring the should of the
needle in line with the lower edge of the vac-
uum piston.
Needle should flush with bottom of piston
5 Fit the piston and diaphragm complete in the
carburettor, making sure that the outer tab
on the diaphragm engages the matching
slot in the carburettor body.
6 Fit the spring and vacuum chamber cover,
making sure that the marks coincide, and
then fit and tighten the screws.
7 Check and if necessary fill oil in the damper
cylinder and fit the damper piston.
Fine adjustment of the setting is effected in con-
junction with the subsequent CO check.
To check the needle (Pierburg)
Check the needle for signs of wear or damage
and also the needle setting.
Release the setscrew to adjust the height of or to
replace the needle.
Make sure that the flat in the needle shoulder is
towards the setscrew.
The needle designation is stamped on the
needle and can be seen after the needle has
been withdrawn from the socket (needle shoul-
der).
To synchronize twin carburettors
1 Run the engine to normal operating temper-
ature and then let it idle. The idling speed
adjusting screw serves both carburettors
and is located on the front carburettor. Loca-
tion of idling speed adjusting screw, 1984
Europe spec, models onwards.
Placement of adjusting screw, Europe specifica-
tion, as from year model 1984
Synchronize the carburettors by means of
the adjusting screw on the linkage between
the two carburettors. Compare the air flow
through the carburettors by means of a syn-
chro-tester. The adjusting screw should be
locked by means of the locknut after setting.
CO-setting (Stromberg)
Before adjusting the CO setting:
lChange the engine oil.
2 Check the condition of the spark plugs.
3 Check the HT leads.
4 Check the valve clearance.
5 Check the position of the camshaft (timing) .
6 Check the ignition timing.
7 Check the idling speed.
8 Check the float chamber ventilation.
9 Check the oil level in the carburettor dashpot
damper.
10 Check the air preheater/air cleaner.
11 Check the delay valve.
12 Check the radiator fan.
13 Check the fuel shut-off valve.
14 Check the fast-idling speed (engine at nor-
mal running temperature).
15 Check the operation of the choke modulator
by blanking off the filter aperture.
16 Check that the secondary CO adjusting
screw is screwed fully home.
Note
To minimize the possible effect on the readings
caused by various engine and exhaust emission
control components, the CO setting on cars with
Sweden specifications (and Switzerland, as from
1983 models) should be carried out at an engine
speed of 2000 r/min. On Europe spec, cars, the
setting should be made at idling speed.
Common questions
Powered by AIFor proper operation of choke control in twin carburetors, verify that both choke controls strike their stops simultaneously. Adjust the control spindle linkages if necessary. This ensures uniform choke operation across both carburetors, which is vital for consistent starting and engine running performance .
Adjusting the basic setting of the metering needle in Stromberg carburetors involves removing the damper and oil cap assembly, vacuum chamber cover, and return spring. Then, withdraw the piston and diaphragm together, and use tool 83 93 035 to align the needle shoulder with the lower edge of the vacuum piston. Complete the reassembly ensuring proper engagement and tightening of components. This adjustment is necessary to ensure precise fuel flow and efficient engine operation .
To prevent binding of the valve disc and sealing surface in a Pierburg choke, inspect for binding, remove minor scratches with fine emery cloth and lapping paste, and ensure smooth operation. This is important to maintain proper choke function, which is essential for regulating air-fuel mixture during engine start-up and warm-up phases .
To adjust fast idling in a Stromberg carburetor, disconnect the vacuum line to the distributor and, with the engine warm, place an 8 mm spacer between the notch in the cam lever and the stop on the choke housing. Adjust the fast idling speed by turning the stop screw on the throttle lever. Disconnecting the vacuum line ensures accurate engine speed settings unaffected by vacuum changes .
The primary causes of an engine continuing to run after being turned off include an idling speed set too high, ignition timing too far advanced, a weak mixture in the carburetor during idling, carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, use of low-grade fuel, and incorrectly adjusted float chamber ventilation in twin carburetors. These issues can be resolved by adjusting the idling speed, correcting the ignition timing, enriching the mixture in the carburetor, cleaning carbon deposits, using higher octane fuel, and properly adjusting the float chamber ventilation .
The fine adjustment of the metering needle setting involves checking and potentially filling oil in the damper cylinder, fitting the damper piston, and ensuring needle alignment. This adjustment is refined based on subsequent carbon monoxide (CO) checks, which help fine-tune the air-fuel mix for optimal combustion efficiency and emissions control .
Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber can lead to pre-ignition, knocking, and reduced efficiency by altering the compression ratio and causing hot spots. These deposits result from prolonged choke use and failure of the engine to reach normal operating temperatures. Removal involves using chemical cleaners or manual disassembly and cleaning of components to restore optimal engine performance .
Checking the needle condition in Pierburg carburetors is necessary because wear or damage can affect fuel flow and engine efficiency. If wear or damage is found, release the setscrew to adjust the needle height or replace it. Ensure that the flat in the needle shoulder is facing the setscrew. The needle designation can be confirmed after withdrawal to ensure correct specifications are maintained .
To synchronize twin carburetors, run the engine to normal operating temperature and let it idle. The idling speed adjusting screw, which serves both carburetors, is located on the front carburetor. Use the adjusting screw on the linkage between the two carburetors, and compare the air flow through the carburetors with a synchro-tester. After achieving synchronization, lock the adjusting screw with a locknut .
Using higher octane fuel addresses pre-ignition and knocking, which can occur if an engine runs on after being turned off. Higher octane fuel resists auto-ignition, mitigating these issues and leading to smoother engine shutdowns. This recommendation helps protect engine components and ensures fuel mixture stability .