• TrackPass
• Downloads
• Wireless
• NASCAR Home Tracks

Not since the mid 1980's, has a vehicle left the factory with a carburetor under the hood. But the popularity and use of carburetors still remains a steadfast icon on untold numbers of naturally-aspirated street and performance engines.

From Model A Ford's that once covered the American highways to current day Nextel Cup cars with engines exceeding 800-plus horsepower, carburetors are still on the job.

Auto Service

• Performance Service Locator
• NASCAR Performance Network

• About the show
• TV Listings

It's once the carburetor leaves the factory that customers must see that proper maintenance is provided to the carburetor to insure years of dependable service.

Let's look at some carburetor-care maintenance tips:

• Always keep a carburetor clean and dry. Dampness can cause rusting on metal parts of the carburetor as well as outer appearance issues.
• A good, clean air filter is a must to keep dust and foreign matter from being ingested into the engine and into carburetor air-bleed locations. When your unit shows signs of carbon or dirt around the air-bleed locations, a reliable brand of carburetor spray cleaner can be of great assistance.
• Some carburetors contain choke assemblies while others do not. The most popular choke design is electric followed by hot air choke assemblies and manual hand chokes. Proper choke settings are crucial for start up especially in cold weather.
• In warm weather, high under-hood heat conditions can be annoying as fuel can percolate and cause hard start situations due to flooding. You may need to add a non-heat conducting spacer between the carburetor and intake manifold.
• Avoid use of "old fuel" whether stored in cans or in the tank of an older car. Old fuel becomes thick and sticky and can harden inside the carburetor.

You should check to see that all bolts and screws on your carburetor are tight and secured especially if you notice discoloration or fuel stains on the carburetor body or engine. Monitor the carburetor mounting studs to see they are secure but avoid over-tightening the fasteners as you may crack or break the carburetor flange. Fuel system cleaners should be used periodically during fuel fill-ups to aid in keeping the internal passages of the carburetor as clean and free flowing as possible.

Have your technician check your float level if you are having a hesitation or notice signs of dark carbon or black smoke. During any aspects of troubleshooting a carburetor related matter, ask your tech to verify that vacuum lines are routed to their intended locations such as spark advance, choke pull-off assembly or accessories that may require full-time vacuum.

Please be aware when you suspect a carburetor problem that you keep an open mind as there are countless other engine related issues that can directly affect your carburetors' ability to perform.

For a Holley Carburetor Installation and Tuning DVD please visit www.holley.com