Carb Question

[ICESKATER1611]

OK so i took off the air filter so i am looking at the carb. there are about 5 flat screws that hold down the top portion of the carb. My question is do i have to take that top part off to get the entire carb off? it seems that way as there are a couple of the bolts that attach it to the intake manifold? (this is a guess, remember i am new) i can't seem to get to unless i take the top off.

Any insight would be helpful.

[So Cal Mark]

no reason to remove the top, use a 1/4" drive with a flex socket for the nuts

[ICESKATER1611]

Ok...maybe it is me (most likely scenario seeing i am brand new to cars) but i can't for the lift of me figure out how to get to the bolts that keep the carb on. Are there other items in the engine bay that i need to remove in order to get at the bolts? As it sits i can only reach 1 bolt. If i am leaning over the driver side it would be the back left closest to the header.

is this just a case of inexperience and i just need to man up and get at those bolts or should i be removing more in the engine to get at what i need??

I know i promised pictures and i will try to get those tonight. My wife is traveling on business so I am actually able to work on it after my daughter goes to bed!! I am a total Opportunist.

[baltobernie]

First question is, "why do you want to take the carb off?" Are you replacing it? Most maintenance issues can be performed in sito.

OK, if you have a good reason to remove it, recognize that the carb/maniford mating area is a common source of vacuum leaks that have frustrated wrenching Spider newbies forever. If you think removing a Spider carb is difficult, multiply by two for installation.

You'll need a good 1/4" socket set, SIX POINT, deep and shallow, with wobble extensions and a 13mm crow's foot. Don't forget a new gasket and sealant.

[ICESKATER1611]

So the Car sat for quite some time has has debris in there. I purchased a carb repair kit from AR and believed i needed to remove the entire carb. If you are telling me i can perform the repair without removing the carb that is great news and that means i can move forward with attempting a test fire!

[baltobernie]

I would recommend cleaning the fuel strainer on the carb inlet, clean out the debris from the float chamber, button it up, and give it a try. To do anything more requires a shop manual. Do you have one?

[ICESKATER1611]

I'll take your advice and take just the top off and vacuum out what i need. I think the repair kit came with a new fuel strainer.

The prior owner did have an original shop manual which he gave me but if there is no need to yank it out i won't.

[ICESKATER1611]

Progress...

I removed the top of the carb. from there i was able to change the gasket, fuel strainer and what i thought was a fuel jet?? (3rd pic below). from here i have to vacuum out the chamber and re-install.

what i removed


what it looks like now...


the "jet" if you will that i replaced...

[TimpanogosSlim]

That's the needle valve. When the float is low, it lifts the valve and allows more fuel to enter the carburetor.

You're doing just fine. Clean things out with some carburetor cleaner and lint-free rags. Maybe some compressed air too.

Then reassemble and see if you can get it to go. You may want to pour some fuel into the bowl before you reassemble just to be sure you've got some in there.

They say if you smear that new gasket with chap stick you can reuse it if you need to disassemble it again.