HEMI Carburetor Trouble - 426 Dyno Diagnosis

Nick loves Hemi's. It is as simple as that. A half century of working with the iconic V8 has only added to his appreciation. Today, we join Nick in the dyno room, as he works with a numbers matching 1971 Hemi, getting it ready for a second life.
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[@55desotomine]

It's so nice when it's just Nick, sometimes there are too many "helpers" in the dyno room.

[@wokewokerman5280]

Nick does such a great job narrating his work, I think better when less people are around. Great stuff.

[@hugocinco9032]

A 426 HEMI really instills respect. My brother had a retired police chiefs interceptor with many power adders mixed in. Nick is #1 in my Mopar book.

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Hugo. Sounds like an interesting car!

[@GHP-mr3gs]

The base design of the most powerful V8s in the world like the Keith Black engines in Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters comes from the Chrysler HEMI...That tells you something.

[@hugocinco9032]

@G 18000HP you got that right. I come from a Mopar family. My Dad was an engineer at Chrysler for 30 years as well as chief union steward for UAW local 412. My Dad was an engineer in the Stress Lab. Known as the Boom-Boom-Room. They tested and tortured the revered and prized Mopar muscle cars sought worldwide. His daily driver had a Max-Wedge under the hood. Mom's ride was a 1968 Plymouth Fury wagon with the SC440.

[@zadmiral55]

I'm surprised Nick doesn't have a set of known good carbs for testing.

[@jimjungle1397]

I really like the Carter AFB and AVS carbs. Many of the factory Mopar versions had three step metering rods and sometimes even 4 step, but 4 step rods aren't common. The high performance jets use two step metering rods. To convert the Mopar Carter carbs to use two step metering rods, the raised rod covers can be replaced with the flat rod covers, along with 2 step metering rods and matching jets for tuning. The two metering rods need two metering rod flat covers and jets made for two step metering rods. Then the factory Mopar carbs can be tuned just like the aftermaket carbs.

[@kwhite145]

Back in 1969 there was a guy Bob with a 69 Hemi Road Runner first time in a car with a 426 Hemi scared the crap outta me! We called him Hemi Bob thanks for the memories 😀

[@gordowg1wg145]

Back in those days the factories would often understate the power figures, often by citing at well below the actual peak power rpm. Mostly for weight breaks, etc, in racing.

[@andrewhigdon8346]

I love it. Thanks Tony. The push for the lower driveshaft placement is the most interesting thing about this.

[@plymouthroadrunner3893]

Like the synth! Impressively smooth and quiet engine. I'm guessing that's because of the standard cam. And look at those numbers! Who needs more than that on the street? Certainly not me.

[@fragman21]

I've said it once but I'll say it again. Best Damn Channel on KZbin!

[@bigmountain7561]

Happiness is Not Checking Everyone Else’s Work!!! I can’t tell you the number of times that my boss and myself had to check work because someone was in a rush. Great Videos Thank You 🙏

[@charliefox7206]

Not only is Nick a great engine builder, but he's also good at carbs to. Way to go Nick.🦊

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Charlie.

[@torbjornkristiansson356]

@@NicksGarage Hi Nick! If you fix the "hot idle compensation valve" that is open on the rear carb it will idle allot better. Tobbemek from Sweden.

[@bobkonradi1027]

You wouldn't think of a camera as being an indispensable diagnostic tool, but Nick having that video camera just right above the carburetors is exactly what the doctor ordered. Interesting that the 426 hemi just happens by coincidence to be putting out 42 more HP at its rated rpms than what MoPar told the NHRA it put out. No wonder that the NHRA gave it a factoring penalty.

[@joemancini3258]

Nick, true story . . close friend of mine was working at a Chevrolet dealership mid 80's. He was moving one of the cars that was just dropped off for inventory and it ran like crap ( not just because it was a bowtie). They moved it to the back of the shop and eventually got the engine out and apart . . . . . . THERE WERE NO PISTON RINGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SHORT BLOCK!

[@williamcole464]

I don't think I would have ever lost a race, if only I had Nick tuning my cars. I've raced every Mopar engine, from 340's to Hemis, including a Stage 3 max wedge. Nick and his family are a special breed of craftsman. A true teacher to all who listen and learn. I've never disagreed with Nick, and at 74 years young, I don't think I Will now. A true legend in his own time.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Thank you William.

[@stoker20]

I always learn something watching Nicks' videos. Guys used to say how you had to rev the Hemi's to make them go and the 440's would beat them on the street. It would be a very expensive mistake to kick a rod out.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Glad you learned something !

[@bluecollar58]

You have to love those “ Oh , That could be it “, moments. 😐

[@MikeJBlues]

Nothing beats a Hemi on the Dyno for a Monday , Win 🏆 Win 🏆

[@spungebob24]

Hi Nick and My good friend George behind the camera.. I enjoyed this video Nick and I'm sure Nick you solve MANY problems that come along that's why your THE BEST at what you do everyday.. Nick your like a kid in the candy store in your DYNO ROOM.. The HEMI sounds really good Nick and by the way Nick I do model cars for a hobby and I'm doing my first BEAST OF A DODGE.. A 1969 CHARGER RT ... This is my FIRST dodge model I'm doing EVER and I'm going MATALIC GREEN with black interior and of course with a pistal grip shifter 4 speed... Nick I also wanted to tell you that IM PROUD TO BE A PATRON SUBSCRIBER on your channel I enjoy everyone on your show since day 1 .. Have a great week Nick and keep the 426 HEMI RUNNING STRONG BUDDY .. LOVE YOU NICK FROM YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS THE BANDIT...

[@clarebutterfield6927]

Nick, I really appreciate you showing us your knowledge and skill!

[@RaiderX948]

Unfortunately mechanics like Nick are few and far between, true artisan. Can't wait to visit the garage when the weather warms up.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

I am glad I’m not the only person that failed to verify a new part was working correctly. Been there bought the T shirt.

[@robertorhymes]

Nick's Garage has mastered diagnosis Through an elimination process they form a prognosis Nick's Garage every Monday to a petrol head is pure hypnosis A Hemi V8 has a lot of get up and go Nick builds em for a living as this video will show The carbs worked great while breaking in the cam but now they're playing up interfering with Nicks dyno testing plan Nick will be methodical to track the misfire down So he can fix the problem and really go to town Nick's Garage every Monday turns my frown upside down Thanks Nick Big ups George Shout out from London

[@billjamison2877]

Nick. I did a lot of drag racing in my various MoPars in the early 70's. One thing I always had trouble with were carburetors! They drove me nuts at times. Finicky bugger's they are for sure! Every time I watch your videos, they always take me back to my wrenching days cruising the circuit, grabbing a burger and hopefully a girl! Great Times, fun times and less crazy times...take me back!

[@sparkywirenut]

Were you using thermoquads { thermo-junks } ? I had various engines with Carter afb's and avs's , never had any problems with them ....

[@nickpanaritis4122]

@@sparkywirenut ....On this engine, AFB's..

[@sparkywirenut]

@@nickpanaritis4122 Yes , I know Nick , I was replying to Bill Jamisons' post above , btw , love your videos , keep up the great work !

[@user-bo4ki2zq2m]

Bill, thanks for the memory's of our youth and the fun it was for me to drive my 70 442 470hp and a four speed. baby blue and the girls loved the car a lot, when i got the car repossed for not making the payments all the girls stopped going out with me.

[@sparkywirenut]

@@user-bo4ki2zq2m I think you mean 370hp ? Olsmobile never made anything with 470hp 😀 If they did they would have been almost as fast as the mopars 😀

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Great video, Nick. One thing I didn't know about the dual AFB setup on the Hemi was that there's no idle adjustment screws for the front carburetor. That must make tuning easier. I always learn things by watching your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@bosunmate]

Watching Nick work is like watching a mad scientist in a lab. Always amazing to watch.

[@MoparDan]

Great troubleshooting Nick! Back in the day those shop manuals were very complete with text and many good photos.

[@eugenecastles7475]

A Monday afternoon, and another Hemi on the Dyno on Nick's Garage it doesn't get much better than that. Let her rip.

[@NicksGarage]

Your timing is impeccable, sir. Thanks so much for being here with us for the 'premiere'.

[@eugenecastles7475]

@@NicksGarage I really enjoyed this video George!!! The intro was just amazing along with the music, you nailed it. The overhead camera shot just keeps getting better and better, it really gives you a perfect look to see how the carbs are working. It didn't take Nick very long to see that the jets were missing from the front carb. Someone must have been in a rush during the reassembly. The overhead panoramic shot where you could see Nick sitting at the controls of the Dyno was fantastic. Your video skills are second to none.👍💯

[@blinkie1523]

@@eugenecastles7475 I would whole heartedly agree with you on George's filming Eugene. How are you coping after the allergies the other day Eugene?

[@louiskats5116]

@@blinkie1523 Giasou Blinkie , Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@eugenecastles7475 Giasou Eugene, You described the situation spot on, George is amazing with his camera's

[@mfc4591]

Well, you just never know what's next ! that was interesting, maybe the phone rang while the guy was assembling the carb, who knows ! Thanks for showing us another awesome engine Nick, and George, excellent camera work, as always. Have a good week men.

[@roadeagle]

Professor Nick, doing what he knows best. Educate the junior and refresh the veteran mechanics. Love each learning episode. Thanks sir!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Appreciate it !

[@Mike-ie6ee]

I really like that monitor in the top corner of the dyno room. What a great idea for real time monitoring and adjustments

[@jamescardwell3254]

Nick, sir, you have an eagles set of eyes. How many people would have overlooked that until they decided to tear both carbs all the way down and then find the jets gone absolutely amazing . Your videos are always the best to watch always great content . When I see you work on an engine it's like watching a master surgeon do a surgery .

[@peterandrews955]

They must have been built on a Monday or Friday !

[@lindanelson8400]

Dr Panaritis makes the diagnosis and returns his patient to perfect performance. Just a guess as to what happened with the original carburetor rebuilder, he was probably interrupted during reassembly, in a hurry and behind schedule and simply forgot where he was in the process. Oh well, it found its way to the right man for the task. Well done 👏 and very respectful horsepower out of a stock build without pushing it.

[@sonyhk3824]

Wonderful, amazing work so interesting. Cheers guys George n Nick.

[@pb68slab18]

The rear venturis on the front carb looked like they were dribbling fuel , not misting it.

[@gitchermotrrunnin]

Like watching a mystery show, who would have thought the jets were missing? Nick's shop manual looks like it has been well used lol. Keep it in a safe place.

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dewiz9596]

Yes, that “old time typesetting”. . . takes me back!

[@18Macallan]

Sharp eyed ,sharp minded 👍

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Vesa.

[@brianwaldo2642]

Haha, Nick. It was like watching a cartoon, as I imagined a light bulb appearing above your head as soon as the problem became apparent. I was in my teens when the hemi was prowling the streets where I grew up. You could distinguish one from all the other American muscle cars at the time. A truly awesome motor.

[@earnieb5318]

Hi Nick ...always the BEST from and to you!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you, Earnie.

[@4ondflor]

This goes to show you that sometimes it really can be something simple when things are acting off. I suspect someone needed jets a few years ago, and promised to put them back, but never did. That thing sounds mouthwatering now that it’s all together!

[@kevinknight470]

Exactly, done that trick myself and saw other people make the same mistake.😃

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

@@kevinknight470 that, or someone stopped to answer the phone, before finishing up the carb rebuild, and just forgot! But you'd think they would have found the 4 uninstalled jets somewhere, and gone back to it! I put notes on engines I don't run all the time so I don't forget to do things like that lol.

[@deucerider430]

As always, a top flight show! I appreciate your listing the patrons during the sign off - nice to “see my name in lights!” for such a prestigious show! 👍🏼

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Beautiful and awesome video and Hemi! The owner is one lucky guy! Nick you are THE MAN!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@ericball6000]

Dr. Nick, there is nothing like a 426 Hemi humble rumble, glad you had the jets in stock, cheers.

[@NicksGarage]

Right on!

[@rjminar1980]

Could she have hit 600 bhp at 6k rpm? I'd like to think so, but we’ll never know. Love this channel!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

With these stock Hemi rebuilts, I had easily hit 500 HP near 6000 RPM's

[@majorpayne5289]

👍That HEMI wants to breath, run fast and produce that killer torque. *Always a good video even w/ limited orifices! Thanks Sir Nick! 👍

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for joining us again, Major.

[@majorpayne5289]

@@NicksGarage you guys are awesome!

[@bobqzzi]

Honestly, it must have been a relief for Nick to find the missing jets. Obvious, easily fixable problem, great content, awesome results for the customer. Perfect video

[@user-bo4ki2zq2m]

Amazing how fast Nick can find the problem and fix the motors no matter the brand name.

[@davidthompson62]

Guy’s like Nick are worth their weight in gold when it comes to classic MOPAR cars. They know these cars and engines/Trannies that just the sound they know if their correct or not. There a dying breed, like juke box repairmen. Let’s hope someone’s learning from Nick!

[@dannovello1577]

Stuff happens, right...dude probably didn't have them in stock, then got busy and forgot, who knows. Thanks Nick! Really enjoyed you taking the time to show, & explan location of the jets & to way blow out that part. One of the coolest things was how you use that "pick" (?) To flip that jet right into place! ( almost like yo been do'n it yer whole life, lol! ; ) )

[@Scalihoo]

Nick videos you do like this are golden, it's like being in auto shop class ..just very intriguing

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rod426]

The Mopar engine guru is on the case of the missing jets. Good job Nick!

[@meowerstationone3793]

Awesome troubleshooting. Nice job Nick! Love the overhead camera shots George. Thanks guys!

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@leelavoie6753]

Nick and George, thank you doesn’t say it all… it’s very special to relive my memories of diagnosing and tuning through these episodes and I constantly learn new tidbits. What a joy! Thank You. 😊

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Glad you enjoyed it !

[@markvanheuveln4670]

Performing mechanical miracles time after time!

[@waynemorton9007]

Nick sure knows how to get my heart pumping also thanks for the❤ 41:33

[@mikestackhouse9001]

Inspector Nick does it again, solves the problem and fixes it right for his client. That engine will be a good cruiser thanks to Nick's attention. Once again we are treated with Mopar Music. Is there anything better? No, at least with your pants on😁.

[@apexmetalrestoration2805]

Excellent work Nick. You’re a true craftsman who takes pride in his work. Top notch!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Thank you !

[@simontsang964]

enjoyed watching Nick da "Mopar magician" troubleshooting those AFBs!!

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

you're a great trouble shooter nick! thanks for another awesome video!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Kurt.

[@fw1421]

Nick,please tell George I love his taste in Jazz!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@NicksGarage]

👍

[@fortyshooter1]

Watched late last night and that was a great episode of a real stock Street Hemi! That is wild that the carb had no jets installed! You can hear that distinct sound of those dual AFB carbs on the Hemi sucking in all that air!

[@mikeembrey9176]

Great video on a Monday afternoon sounds great have a great evening 👍🏻

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you! You too!

[@dougsammons2228]

Accelerator leather pump can shrink some from setting around dry, to refresh it, put a thin film of oil on it, and then go around the inside of it with a small screw driver lifting the leather slightly,then reinstall

[@robertmetcalf2461]

Good Man Nick , a Joy to see you at your craft

[@joeljenkins2876]

Gooood evening, gents!!!!! Nick sure has been facing some challenges lately with these engines, but he ALWAYS triumphs with persistence and patience (cuz these machines can certainly be very TRYING at times😂)!!! Nick is the professor/guru of Mopar to be sure!!!! George, STELLAR work as usual, and great week to y’all!!!!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks again!

[@deucemob6365]

I said it on the last video all Nick has to do is just look at it and like I said he'll figure it out great man awesome mechanic he showed everybody that I'm not no fool because I knew all he has to do is look at it and he will find the problem PS love the videos can't wait to see the next one Love the engine tuning videos

[@curtishill6490]

Sounds great!! I was only 4 when that came out so I'll take your word for the original sound😁what a stock motor it is! Thanks Nick and we'll wishes from Cape Cod 🙏👍

[@tomkimbrel4192]

Wow - Nick you are a mopar guru extra ordinaire! You are my hero!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Glad to hear!!

[@danaglass5394]

Dana "60" Glass. Love the jazz George

[@ginotassoni4597]

Greatings from South Carolina...the Elephants are stampeding!!! Dyno room is the coolest.👍😁

[@NicksGarage]

Hi Gino. Thanks for watching.

[@merrillschaps2325]

I had the same problem with my 1969 Carter AVS 4640S carburetor. The front squirters weren't working and I could never get them to work. Never did find out why. Just replaced it with a brand new Carter AVS carburetor. I enjoy working on the Carter AVS, AFB and Edelbrock carburetors. Never had much luck with Holleys. Great job Nick at finding the issue!

[@MrDibbons]

I noticed already pumping out 425 HP @ only 4,500 RPM!

[@edluther1959]

I am glad Nick was able to rehire his old mechanic! Much more mature than Vacillus! Good worker!!

[@robertatkinson5610]

Thanks for the videos always showing what you had to go through to make them run correctly. I have learned many things watching you troubleshoot. Thanks!

[@NicksGarage]

Glad to help.

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Nick you are the best. Looking at that old shop manual brought back many good memories. Thank you.

[@blinkie1523]

Hi Nick, that was simply awesome. Nick that Hemi sounded as sweet as it looked and only thanks to you solving the carb issues. George that into was simply amazing both the music and lighting were just right for this video.

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gordandcolleenkerr7760]

monday in the dyno room doesnt get any better

[@justinhovan552]

Awesome video Nick! Makes me proud to be a Canadian to see you do your work

[@NicksGarage]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ewconway]

Awesome educational video. 👍

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jblo6822]

I love the 71 Charger RT, and with a 426 hemi; I only wish I had one.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

A gen 2 hemi can get interesting to keep tuned for sure, but the power they put out makes it worth the extra effort! Nick, you can do this stuff blindfolded and find a problem, and make the engine perform as advertised. No substitute for decades of experience, that's for sure. You are the Mopar guru, sir, thank you for an informative video!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

My pleasure !

[@williamorton7600]

I was surprised you could get it to idle with no jets in the front carb. Great work.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Jets work only on part throttle and WOT.

[@johnplato4976]

Amazing, huh Nick? You'd think that the carb rebuilder would've had "left over" carbs parts-aka- jets. Makes ya wonder who's working on these things, huh? Thanks again Nick on a great video of diagnosing 426 tuning problems. Always appreciate your great videos!

[@OlSgtLove]

Great intro George and beautiful color starting . Your video and editing skills are spot on and getting better every time I watch .Running late ,back to baseball practice with Grandsons ...Take care .

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks so much.

[@FreedomRock44]

I can not believe it was the jets....as you said you figured they were there!!!!! Way to check!

[@Eldude350]

Since I live in Eastern New Brunswick Canada, I once needed spark plugs for my 72 Nova SS. My brother's car, a 73 Catalina was parked for the winter. I stumbled onto his underhood, took all 8 spark plugs, but never replaced them. Well, come spring my bro goes to start up his car, no go! Seized motor. Now I rebuilt him another motor, and life was good again.....oops

[@steveshoemaker6347]

What a deal no jets...But low in push rod power Nick the HEMI was invented during WWII by Chrysler for Fighter Planes...... Thank for the awesome movie 👍 Old Navy flying Shoe🇺🇸

[@TheFrameoff]

I liked the way you put the jets in their place

[@shadvan9494]

Nice work on those carb Nick. anytime i find that someone has forgotten something as simple as the jets, I would have double checked the metering rods and springs as well to make sure they were correct. it looks like it was reading good at WOT but seemed to be lean on tip in below 3000. I suspect the rods are incorrect or the springs are not right. I am leaning towards the rods since it seems to be fine at WOT but lean below 3k from the A/F ration in the video. I love the AFB and the Edelbrock Performer. both are great carbs. easy to tune and dont leak gas around the bowls or jet plates like a Holley.

[@jondavis3582]

that book is the holy grail for mopar

[@stephendavidcavuoti6548]

NIce Job Nick and it did take long ang nice that you seen almost right away 👍👍👍

[@Dany-oj2jv]

Great video as usual, Georges your video are awsome and thanks to Nick too, thumb's up 👍

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

You did it again you made it perfect boy that thing is sweet that is going to make a really nice Cruiser thanks for another great video

[@dewiz9596]

Great job, Nick. I was grinning ear to ear!

[@NicksGarage]

Glad to hear it!

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Beautiful Engine!!! Good find Nick, of the issues with the front carb.I was wondering what caused the problem with the accelerator pump circuit on that carb? Maybe it has a leather piston seal that needed to be expanded to seal against the wall of the accelerator pump well... Whatever the problem was, apparently it went away after that carb was re-assembled.... Wow 468 HP and over 495 ft/lbs of torque!!! That car will FLY!!! I remember how many people were disappointed when the 426 Hemi's were being dropped from production in 1972... Luckily, they became available in the Direct Connection line, several years later... Real Hemi engines, not some pocket recess combustion chamber that the Third gen 'Hemi' engines now have...

[@larrygall5831]

Great diagnostic Nick!

[@dinoa9608]

Would be interesting to see a dyno run with the dual point distributor installed. Any Change? Great show as always.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

We installed the dual points distributor, did not go well. So we installed the Petronix and had the same HP and TQ.

[@methusalaseenalot8837]

nick is like the sherlock holmes of engines.

[@dwightducker9891]

Nick you are the man.

[@cliffords.8341]

Hey Nick, As a retired motorcycle technician and machinist, it's nice to watch someone else doing the diagnosing and corrections needed to fix the problem. 😁 Did you remove the four jets from the rear carburetor to check if they were the correct size? Out of the thousands of carburetors I rebuilt and tuned, I can't remember leaving any jets out or any parts for that matter. 🧓 It would have been interesting to see how much torque and hp that engine produced. It's too bad the owner didn't want to know how much power that engine produced at 6,000rpm even though he's going to just put around, which to me is a waste of not running the car hard at times.

[@KENNEY1023]

Impressive work, it takes a lot of knowledge to be able to pin point the different issues when dynoing a engine. I see why now it's hard to trust others work, I agree how did someone forget those four jets or after the carburetor was built someone grabbed them and forgot to go back and put them back in, who knows.

[@TheFrameoff]

That pulled really nice