This spring bit of the carb

[Supertramp]

In this picture of my carb, above the spring there is a little notched lever that seems to affect the idle. Which notch should it be on? I don't understand how I'm supposed to set that then turn the air/fuel screws below and how they work in conjunction?

Thanks

 

[Nugsy]

Thats the choke, as the engine warms up it slowly rotates anticlock wise coming down the steps. when warmed up it should be on the low plateau(x)

Theres a good page on here about setting up carbs

http://www.vw-resource.com/34pict3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Supertramp]

Thats the choke, as the engine warms up it slowly rotates anticlock wise coming down the steps. when warmed up it should be on the low plateau(x)

Theres a good page on here about setting up carbs

http://www.vw-resource.com/34pict3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you.
So with the engine off it should be on the honest notch? I'll have a read up on that page.

 

[bluenose]

it would be sat where it is in the pic when hot. If you let it cool down then depressed the accelerator pedal it should then sit on top notch

 

[Supertramp]

it would be sat where it is in the pic when hot. If you let it cool down then depressed the accelerator pedal it should then sit on top notch

I see, thank you. I will check it today to make sure it's doing what it should. I really feel like I should have known what this was.

 

[Happystamps]

Honestly, carburettor is the LAST thing you adjust. Because you can do so much with it a lot of the time people inadvertantly tune the carb so that other issues go away, and if those issues are for instance with the ignition system then you're on a one way street to **** City. You'll never get it all sorted.

SO- order of service for me goes-

1. adjust valves while engine is cold. Leave the car overnight if you want to do them properly.

2. Ensure dwell angle is correct on your points (Ideally with a dwell meter, they're about £20 and they're much more accurate than a feeler gauge)

2.5. Check spark plug gap and have a look at the colour. Clean or replace spark plugs as necessary (they last longer than you'd think though)

3. Adjust timing using a strobe light and a static light (indicator bulb etc). I use my static light to get the distributor set in the right place (nice and quiet without the engine running) and then check it with the strobe to make sure the advance is working OK and it settles in roughly the right place.

3.5. If you're going to do it, change the air filter or air filter oil. Don't do this after adjusting the carb, same with meddling with the exhaust- it alters the flow through the carb so you have to re-set the carb.

4. let the engine run, make sure there are no leaks in the inlet manifold (evidenced by RPM swings ("hunting") or whistling noises. Adjust carburettor as per the VW-resource manual here:-
http://www.vw-resource.com/34pict3.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
make sure that you're 100% clear- regarding the mixture, out is rich, in is lean. That webpage had it backwards for a while. I use a Gunson CO meter which takes all of the skill out of it, you just adjust a screw until you get a number.

In regards to your original question- that screw is JUST for the choke. Don't use it to adjust the idle speed. It should never rest on the lowest step, there should be a tiny (sheet of paper thickness tiny) gap between screw and cam when hot.

5. Let the engine warm up then change the oil and clean the strainer.

 

[Tofufi]

It should never rest on the lowest step, there should be a tiny (sheet of paper thickness tiny) gap between screw and cam when hot.

While I agree with 99% of what you said, I don't agree with the bit above.

The link you posted is correct - it should be the tiny sheet of paper thickness gap + 1/2 turn inwards. Otherwise the throttle plate hits the throat of the carb.

 

[Supertramp]

Thanks for the replies, very informative. My choke does indeed to what it's supposed to and I am going to try and look at everything in order. I am however getting rid of this carb to upgrade to twin carbs and once they've arrived I can tackle everything in the right way.
That VWResource website is excellent.

Cheers