Mostly Universal Carburetor Setup And Adjustment Made Simple. How To Achieve A Clean Smooth Idle

[@morgangallowglass8668]

Nothing wrong with revisiting the basics! At my age, I forget what I have forgotten.

[@CreationsVibration]

Oh yeah! I forgot all about that!

[@daveo532]

I almost forgot how to replace the flywheel key on a 3.5HP Briggs&Stratton lawn mower engine.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@daveo532 get an offset key and futz with the timing 😅

[@SuperDirtyred1]

LOL , I said the same thing to myself before reading your comment while watching the Vid.

[@daleslover2771]

😂😂😂

[@bass2762]

As an 18 year old that's planning to get a carbureted car as his first, I really appreciate this video having the basic knowledge on tuning a carburetor while also not being too lengthy.

[@davenorman8251]

When I was 10 my dad taught me 1 and half on the idle screw and 2 on the mixture, set the choke with a piece of thin cardboard...Wise words I shall never forget.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I'd have to say, just about anything I've ever futzed with carb adjustments on, be it a car or bike or mower ,ya usually start with it 1.5-2 turns out and it's good enough to get it running.

[@MostlyBuicks]

You'd think if an adjustment is that universal, there would be no need to have an adjustment at all. There would be set and built in at the factory.

[@wolfcommander6009]

@@MostlyBuicks theres always that 1 fella that wrecks the dear ole dad story👌 good work feller...dont spill your starbucks

[@tabbott429]

@@MostlyBuicks some carbs have the idle screws blocked off just for that reason so guys had to remove the "plugs" ( which was a pain) so they could get to the screws.

[@ejgrant5191]

@@MostlyBuicks ...Later mid 70's Emissions carbs actually had idle mixture screws sealed with lead plugs to keep people from screwing around with them.

[@nedronbronzebeard7118]

I appreciate your knowledge and humility. Being 30 there are so many older technologies with cars I never dealt with and never had to learn about... and your acknowledgement of that fact rather than being condescending (like so many others) is very much appreciated. You are definitely THE MAN other auto youtubers should aspire to be. I genuinely appreciate you and your content.

[@stevehancock1698]

i totally agree with you i'm in my mid 60s tony is right on this issue at one time in my home town just about everyone brought their carbs too me usually still on the engine in a running car in a few minutes had it running better after awhile anyone will get good at this just takes practice is all

[@AlienLivesMatter]

Even simple things are hard until you know from experience

[@cutl00senc]

One thing he neglected to mention is that these adjustments are always best done when the engine is warmed up and the vacuum advance is disconnected. Great video uncle Tony!

[@markduvall5918]

But do you plug off the vacuum hose?

[@cutl00senc]

@@markduvall5918 yes…plug the hose and the port

[@SnowMonkVX]

As someone deep into a ratty roadkill style resurrection of a '67 Charger that sat for 30yrs, and who is currently fighting tuning issues like timing and carp stuff, waking up to see vids like this make all the differences. I don't know what I'm doing with old school stuff yet, but man content like this is exactly what I need.

[@Ketrons_Radio_Service]

As a young guy in his 30s owning classic cars, your channel has taught me so much. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and years of experience with all of us. Jon

[@unclejoe6811]

Uncle Tony never sleeps or stops looking for alternatives to fuel injection, overhead cams, and inline fours.

[@alsguitars5127]

Lol. I love when guys have a dead cold motor that’s been sitting for years and try to make an instant carb tune. Even better with old gas, 5 vacuum leaks and no air filter. Thanks for the video!

[@billythebake]

Amen, brother!

[@captainjohnh9405]

Tony, this is the absolute best video you have done in a long time. I enjoy all your videos even though I will never build a racer, but there are a bunch of us who want to drive a reliable, reasonably efficient, older daily driver. Maybe you should start a second channel for us; I don't know. But there are people who want a smooth running, cool, old car that functions as it did from the factory. Maybe it is sexy, maybe it is an old land yacht, or maybe just a basic family car, but is a solid, smooth running, reliable car.

[@davidpotter7484]

spot on, people who like to drive.

[@bigdaddyschwalls]

A lot of his older content before he started getting more subs was similar to this video.

[@lilmike2710]

👍 At 53 years old I will never, and I mean *never* go out and purchase any new car or truck again. It's a big fat unnecessary waste of money. We're literally paying more for pollution controls, mandated "safety features", union caused markups and taxes than we pay for the vehicles themselves. Not to mention the fact that virtually all cars and trucks built today, are designed with "planned obsolescence" in mind. They're literally disposable. And they're insanely priced. $17k-$55k is a ridiculous price regardless of the economy. 🙄 I found myself sort of interested in the new retro designed Ford Bronco after I had seen one on the road. Base price $28k for the bottom line, base model with a tiny motor. They're all wheel drive but with the transverse mounted engine. So basically it's a front wheel drive with all wheel drive. Look under the hood and you literally can't see the engine from all the wires, hoses tubes and plastic crap. All designed to start failing in a chain reaction shortly after the warranty expires. All new cars are designed basically the same way and I want no part of it. Give me an older 1965-1980 classic American car. Sharp, clean, dependable and easy to maintain and they have already proven to stand the test of time. With an older car, if you take care of it, it'll take care of you. And it'll still be going strong even after today's new automobiles have long since had their date at the crusher.

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

I use these videos for my land yacht…. It’s a big block Buick so I can use all the power I can get

[@jerrycann6374]

If you pick up an unknown used carb get a bucket of diesel fuel and soak the carb in it over nite. The diesel fuel will not affect any seals, the fuel will clean and lube the carb. Dry it off after soaking over nite and try it out.

[@itneverwasme]

Great vid, I'm 56 and have a carb car without an ECM for the first time in 30 years, needed the refresher.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

I like vacuum gage because it can tell you about mechanical problems with the valvetrain and timing, if you have a chart for it. Great diagnostic tool.

[@wheelieking71]

Any time I open the hood for any kind of tuning on anything that makes decent vacuum, my main tool is a Matco "compound meter" I have had for 40 years (its just a vacuum gage). Yes, the timing light is important. And I agree with Tony on dial-back lights! But, the vacuum gage rules! To much loud music, and loud machine shop, since my 20's. I can't tune by ear. I still hear pretty good. But, hearing sensitivity sucks, and bad tinnitus. Sometimes, simple tactile feel replaces the ear for me nicely. But, I still rely on my "compound meter"! LOL. My dad, the carb whisperer, uses a long screwdriver to his ear like a stethescope, and he can (well, usta-could) do amazing things. EDIT: Dad is still with us, but he would rather be fishing 👍

[@puffkendrick6850]

Most technicians vacuum gages have a diagnostic chart built into the the gage.The one I own doubles as a fuel gage.

[@zappatx]

For some reason my Pontiac 389 pulls so much vacuum at idle the mixture screws hardly make them change untill you get past the fine tuning. First engine I've had that stayed on 20 for such a wide adjustment.

[@dubiousf00d]

Im in my 30s. I learned from my gramps. Love them and will always have one around to show my children when they're older.

[@thewholls7176]

I mate of mine who was a mechanic for many years he’s no longer with us unfortunately He used to say when it comes to tuning carburettors “you can’t beat a good ear……”

[@DanEBoyd]

Nose too.

[@GoneFalconcampin]

I remember putting triples on a straight 6 Australian motor. Lumpy cam. Couldn't tune it to save my life. My old pop comes around with some clear tube, old pool hose and ping pong balls. Attaches 3 hoses balls and tubes to the gnarly 149 motor. And tunes it from balancing the vacuum due to how high ping pong balls were floating .. absolutely amazing.

[@AtZero138]

Welcome to Uncle Tony's Carburetor Corner... She's talking to you ... All the Damn time .. Take mental note of your Adjustments.. From a Daily driver, every day and every where.. 68 Dart 318 ... Keep on wrenching folk's... @∅

[@jy7duality]

Uncle Tony, been watching you for years and years now and I can’t thank you enough for your wisdom knowledge and stories. You’ve helped me out with my car immensely. Thank you my friend

[@supertman350]

Thanks UTG. I would love if you started a basics series. Im 37 and currently restoring a 72 Satellite with my son that I want to keep as close to factory as possible. I know nothing about carbs as my generation was all about VTEC and computer chips. Your videos have been great and I appreciate your knowledge. Keep up the good work.

[@maddrummer910]

I’m 35 and I have limited knowledge on carbs, but thankfully working on go carts, quads, and dirt bikes all had carbs has helped a bit

[@nitromyke]

Kinda universal!! This is what my dad told me in 1988 with my first car ;Close'em, open 1 1/2 turn, and start from there!! Thanks Tony !!

[@crazycoffee]

Hey UTG. I'm happy I saved this video. My mom had a surgery on her foot. She got caught on her boot and fell head first into the bathtubs corner. 3am right now. Ran her to the hospital sitting here watching this to get my mind cleared a little. Thank you for your videos. They always help me out if it's with my cars or my mind. Love your stuff

[@thunderheartgaming4416]

I'm just glad I was lucky to have a dad born in 64 to teach me these things I'm in my 20s now but yes I do see what you meant uncle tony

[@markbattista6857]

With out a doubt the best tutorial I've seen on basic. Carburetor agustment. Tony you are truly a fantastic teacher among all of your other talents I guess that is why most of us enjoy your channel so much . Thanks

[@lamplighter5545]

Great video! And it's not just for 30 year olds. It helped a geezer like me. I haven't worked on carbureted car in 30 years and recently bought a '66 Valiant. Valuable information. Thanks.

[@jerem0621]

Hey UTG! I have a 99 Honda Shadow that I’m about to have to re-Jet. I have modern cars and they are so…lifeless… I love this cheap little carb equipped bike. It has soul to it. Mechanical and I love It!

[@mikeymike758]

UT, you're making us old mechanics look old! Lol.... The biggest thing I taught young apprentices is to make sure you're not starting off in the off idle circuit of the carb, especially after a carb rebuild. The other thing was, did you diagnose the basics of the engine first before you condemn the carb? Great video UT. Cheers,

[@audiophil4946]

I've tuned anything from SU's to Webers to Dell'ortos to Qjets to Edelbrocks over the years, and this is the best tutorial on basic carb tuning I've ever watched. One thing you didn't mention was to make sure the timing is correct before touching the carb.Thanks again Uncle Tony!

[@onesecureone]

Still impressed that Tony with all his knowledge wants to help the new guy even as his channel has grown so big he is a household name Great respect Tony I gotta meet you one day I'm in north GA

[@chuckandjenbridges721]

As someone who spent his life employing mechanics, I have entered the stage of life where I drive a classic Buick for fun. I do recognise the knowledge I lack now, so, I appreciate these basic videos. Thank you.

[@manicmechanic448]

I learned how to tune QJs from a man that, in 1955, submarined a 52 Buick in the Cumberland river at the Leather Wood Ford. This was also his first build.

[@adaboy4z]

Thanks from a beginner of the owner of a 58 Bel air!!

[@waytostoned]

Some can build an engine, some cant. My job is helping next gen best I can. TY Tony, you get it too... Now only if they listen.

[@vicarious1]

Your channel (you) are a breath of fresh air in this toxic world UTG

[@CaneIn850]

Just found this video and I have to give credit when due it was the best explanatory video I've seen on adjusting Carbs. Thank you so much 👌👌

[@ccpgmike620]

BTW Tony’s 1 1/2 turn rule also applies to many Euro carbs like zenith, solex & Weber

[@frankglasgow]

Turn the idle screws to 1/2 turn to pass emissions. Non catalyst engine. My old truck 351M passed easy. At 1 1/2 turns it failed emissions test. In Colorado BTW.

[@BrentAllen99]

Thank you for sharing this kind of info on carb tuning. I've learnt so much from watching your videos. I'm a 80s kid that didn't learn much about carbs growing up (EFI was the new hotness) but now all I want to do is learn about them and run them on my build so I can't thank enough for helping me and others like me to learn. Keep up the great work your videos are great.

[@DrYosh2]

As soon as you said flat head, I knew it was for dividing the turns. I think in terms of half turns. Those little orange Stihl screw drivers make it really easy with the square handles and the arrow on the end of the handle can be handy for smaller increments.

[@immikeurnot]

My favorite tuning trick for the Carter BBD is to remove it, throw it in the scrap barrel and install a Weber. Makes it run sooooo much better.

[@GrimRepair]

I usually just take the carb off and put on fuel injection. But your videos about carbs are my favorite, I didn't learn on carburated engines. Most guys that know about them are kind of cranky now.

[@Antonio.Aguilera]

Thanks for this Tony. I've been a diesel tech for 4 years and never needed to mess with a carb. I recently started a job where I now need this skill, your video got me going in the right direction

[@cougariog8817]

Always good to get back to the fundamentals!! Good video uncle tony!

[@randywl8925]

FUNdamentals starts with FUN 👍 Carbs are for the average Joe. We don't know how, nor do we have the fancy equipment to tune a computer or fuel injection setup. Maybe not a big deal with a stock computerized car because stock is stock. Add headers or a small cam..... how does the average Joe adjust or tune the FI system?

[@Trydntru]

I had zero knowledge about carburetor. I was able to rebuild mt autolite 2150 thanks to you!

[@DanEBoyd]

I've always heard/read/practiced that you need a little bit of transfer slot showing under the blades at idle. You want about the same length of slot showing, as the slot is wide - so it's sort of square. I never knew about the one and a half turns for the idle screw though!

[@SawyerShack]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! I bought a 77 camaro about 2 years ago and have been too afraid to touch the carb on this car mostly because I don't know what I am doing. And I have watched so many tuning videos. Yours is by far the best one I have found. Thank you so much for walking us through tuning at the most basic level. This is exactly what I wanted to see. Now I am going to go play with my Rochester 2 barrel :) No more dying at the stop light!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I see so many making big swings when it comes to mixture screws. Ones that should only be done if it basically won’t run. 1/8, wait let things settle, another 1/8. It requires patience. I usually back out an 1/8 after optimum. Everyone has their own methods, as evidenced at car shows when cars go by idling that make your eyes burn.

[@wayneparris3439]

Yep, lawnmower to race car. Start at 3) 1/2 turns (three one half turns or as UT puts it, 1.5 full turns) Vacuum gauge, I have a couple as well as several timing lights. Old school still works :D

[@jimkamradt7243]

Tony, I worked at Chevy engineering in Warren, Michigan in the mid seventies. We would adjust mixture the opposite. We would get lean best idle and then turn the screw in 1/4 turn for what was called "lean idle drop". But, it was for emissions testing. This was during test set up prior to an emissions test called a 23 cycle EPA test. I loved working there. I was li,e a kid in a candy shop. I love your show, you're a very good teacher. Keep up the great work.

[@rodneyshute3907]

Just upgraded from a edelbrock to a old school holly double pumper I got at a swap meet this video helped me so much thanks uncle tony

[@patrickcannell2258]

A skill I learned in the 70s. I still drive a carb car and set it by ear. As I grew up with this tech, love these videos.

[@josephverdone7099]

Great JOB explaining the basics. been doing this for 57 years and you explain better then i

[@atotheronawesome3713]

Great video I’m 33 and have a 65 Impala project clear simple to the point. Thank you

[@chadfield376]

Very thorough and basic carb tuning video! I will use this to play with my Carter BBD tomorrow.

[@edbuggey5741]

Hey Tony, thank you so much for this video. With this video and like 1 or 2 others, I got my 350 singing like Pavarotti. 10/10 man, 10/10

[@j.angelo2528]

Thanks a ton for this. I have this exact carb you used for the demo and I'm struggling with it bogging when I'm shifting from 3 to 4 and from 4 to 5. This helped me find a good starting point.

[@ericburns2421]

I'm only 56 years old and I'm still ignorant about certain things but I'm learning from the pros and I learn as I go the carburetor I'm working on are my 318 is a holly 2 barrel the list number is 4412-6 I'm still learning about that carburetor on this 318 of mine and my 75 valiant and I'm still having fun and like I said I'm still ignorant about carburetors and everything but at least I'm learning keep up the good work Uncle Tony I love your channel holla if you hear me

[@jacobcook8400]

Your videos about carburetors has built a great base of knowledge and I have passed on that info to my younger brothers as we have gotten into carbureted vehicles in the last few years! Thanks Tony! 🤙

[@nikozaru4716]

coming across this during my research on carburetors and basic motorcycle engine functions (and how they differ from cars) as i hope to build my own bike someday, thanks for the information!

[@shoreline780]

Thanks man! I grew up with Carbs. I always just tuned by ear. Same with timing.

[@clintmatthews4342]

My grandfather taught me vacuum. I still use his vacuum gauge that I use from the 50'-60's.

[@turboflush]

I stand behind uremco carbs. My local shop failed multiple times at rebuilding my carbs. Changed all of mine to uremco rebuilt. The idle and run are so smooth.

[@channinpeden3775]

been watching you for a bit the past few days. I see alot of people on here just flying through blah blah blah. I appreciate the time you take explaining. Thats valuable tbh. The good news is for those of us that do take the time to listen will run better than those who slap it together taught by those who slap it together. Building a 68 Torino Gt 351w/427

[@tylerhair9067]

This information helped me so much in getting my old CJ5 carb adjusted correctly. Thank you!! I am in the age range of I know what a carburator is, but I have no idea how to set one up or adjust it. Thank you sir!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

When we had super fuel you could tune your car by the colour of your exhaust pipe . To white she lean jet black to rich . Adjust your carb then or maybe jets to she ran a nice grey . MOPAR boy from down under 👍🏻

[@jakethesnake121394]

Finally got my 393w running about a month ago and I’ve been fighting the carb ever since.. stuff like this really helps us younger guys born in the 90s 👍

[@skvltdmedia]

Have I learned the air density lesson last year.... It gets very fun when the hood latch release cable stretches out from heat and prevents you from even accessing the throttle stop screw to allow the car to idle when outside temp jumps 30 degrees higher.

[@427_FE]

Remember the carbs on our mini bike and go karts when we were kids? Briggs, Tecumseh and Kohler. That's where we got the basics, then we moved up to Mikunis on our dirt bikes, and were confused by the metering rods on the slides !! Good info there UT, you should have been a shop teacher.

[@gittnjiggy2]

Hey Tony, If I remember correctly, car with the smog pumps (I've been in California all my life) you would set the best idle/vacuum then turn the screws out two more turns. This was ONLY on Air Injection Reactor systems (smog pump with Gulp Valve and Tubes into the exhaust Ports). I may be wrong but for anyone restoring a Smog System car it might be helpful.. Thanks for the video's

[@ewconway]

Excellent educational video on basic carburetor adjustments. I am so glad you did this video showing the younger guys how to do this 👍

[@YobieTheQuestioner]

Nice, I have seen this explained a few times but not the idle screw and mixture screws in detail 👍 Just finished freshening up a Ford 302 and in a few days i'll be doing the first start and cam break in so i'll be using this info. Thanks a bunch.

[@NBSV1]

Idle circuits are tiny passages and can get plugged easier. Found that with my motorcycle. It started surging some and was starting on 3 cyl only to run on 4 when it warmed up. Started adjusting on the carbs and found one of them took like 6 turns on the idle screw to get it right. Luckily was able to remove the needle as well as drop the bowl and get it sprayed out. Then it’s adjustment was nearer to the others.

[@fabricancustoms]

You hit the nail on the head. Carburetors are a frickin mystery to me and I appreciate you taking the time to spell it out for us young'ens :)

[@SteveBarnes]

Thank you for the explanation! I think this will help anyone who is just learning. I learned a few new things too.

[@jxhern22]

Yes. Please, more on adjusting, tuning & rebuilding basic stock carbs. Thx Tony.

[@billhenry6757]

Nice video... it is always good to refresh training... even for us older guys... Uncle Tony... you are simply one of the nicest guys doing this stuff... Keep it up... God Bless

[@jerrypalmer1370]

The last time I was a mechanic full time. You could still buy a car with a carburetor on it. I went to truck driving after that

[@decodr-ring]

Thanks for sharing knowledge about setting the carburetor idle.

[@2Cheap4society]

Something that I do after I adjust my idle mixture screws is to introduce a small amount of vacuum and see if the idle raises, then you know you have it just a little bit rich. Hope that helps!

[@Mynextproject_74]

I'd love to see a video on clearing idle circuits. Thanks for sharing!

[@ericdeven1296]

Back to basics. Perfect. Its the little tips and personal experience that makes your tech so palpable and enjoyable to watch. Great video. Keep em coming, l did, l did get something outta that!

[@markszczepaniak5888]

Great job explaining how to set up a carburetor, I used a vacuum gauge back in the day n still do. Good to have these videos to pass on your knowledge to the younger people, including me since I am about a year younger than you. Lmao. Looking forward to the next one and keep passing the torch!

[@laszlototh5956]

I am about to rebuild and tune my 125 2t bikes DellOrto today. After so much FI stuff I've nearly forgot how much fun is to set a carb. Magical stuff! Nice content!

[@roccofortura2468]

thank you for mentioning the temperature and humidity on the adjustment.

[@dongeorge4037]

You are appreciated, Tony.

[@cote.2776]

Thank you UT! I've gained quite a bit of knowledge watching your videos.

[@MrTellem44]

Thanks for the tips. Very helpful and informative. Traffic pretty distracting. Mic’s now have filters for that.

[@brianalbrecht4423]

good video 4 the beginer....reminded me back to when I was about 8 or so...& my father explaned how 2 adjust a carb....the use of a vacume gauge or a tack (or both used together) for a frist timer will help them see what they are doing...& speed up the learning curve....in 50+ years of workn on cars...I have never been lucky enough 2 have genie pop out of a carb...lololol....thanks U.T.

[@cyrilmartin3887]

Damn I was like "I'm gonna try even if I don't thinks it's gonna change a lot to poke these lil holes"... Thank u it's like running with a new engine and now I guess I'm gonna be able to set the carb correctly !!

[@ercost60]

Nice, Uncle Tony! All this times four on my 4-carb 140HP Corvair. This car will turn anyone into a carb and linkage expert.

[@rickkephartactual7706]

Watching your video's reminds of just how much I have forgotten over the years. Love the video's.

[@mobygodfrey4936]

An old mechanic taught me in my youth the exact words you just put out it seems that good knowledge about stuff like this always comes from someone who's had the experience and learned the hard way I'm still one of the few guys in my group of friends that can make a Q jet scream like it's supposed to it pays to pay attention when an older wiser person is dispensing tips. I'm 47 now and my kids barely know how carbs function at all

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

I put a dab of red paint on one end of the slots to keep better track of where it’s at too. Great video as I’m inexperienced on carbs too.

[@scottfairbrother563]

I think your videos are great. I have found them very helpful especially the carby ones. When tinkering on my old 68 charger. Thanks from perth. Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@christopherc3017]

I’ve enjoyed being looked at as crazy when asking for vacuum gauge for tuning carb.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Wait until you ask for a dwell meter for your points ignition. Then ask them if they have a left handed board stretcher. 🤣

[@abelq8008]

Even a timing light will get blank stares :)

[@independentthinker8930]

I've cleared the idle passages many times by removing the idle screw, takung carburetor cleaner, using the tube that comes with it, set the tube in the bottom of idle screw set and giving it a few good shots. Be carefule, there will be blow back! Reinstall idle screw

[@johngibson1491]

Awesome guy .see he doesn't blame the youngster .Kid didn't know. Great teacher

[@Ka_Gg]

Good to see that some people are still willing to teach. Too many times people will just be like "you don't know that? Idiot" and then walk off. Some people act like this is just knowledge you are born with, when in reality, many people don't mess with carburetors anymore. It's like the flip side where I was teaching my dad how to remove a transmission out of a fwd car since he never messed with one. He was lost. It's understandable considering he only messed with rwd older cars.

[@FreakOlds]

Great video! I got a young fella halfway across the country that I try to describe certain procedures to and sometimes conveying the message is easier said than done. This video is one I’ll share with him that can be a great tool for him to understand the carburetor in addition to the advice I’ve been giving to him. 😉👍

[@abelq8008]

Thanks Tony, did this on my 350 buick and got a good tune. 800 revs at about one turn of the throttle screw.