Your European automobile is a high-performance automobile no matter the make and model you drive. As we discussed in a previous blog, European manufacturers design their vehicles with performance in mind. As such, there will be times when your carburetor needs cleaning and/or an adjustment. We can handle that for you at 610AutoHaus, so bring your vehicle in if you experience any of the following.
Your Car Won’t Start
The cause of an engine failing to start could be any number of things. It could be the alternator, battery, starter, fuel pump, spark plugs… we could go on. If you can get your engine to turn over yet it still won’t catch and start, it could be your carburetor. A dirty carburetor will prevent the air/fuel mixture needed to ignite the engine from making its way into the ignition system.
Your Car Is Running Lean
Does it sound as if your car sneezes? What about popping sounds? These are indicators that your vehicle is running what we call lean. Lean means your vehicle isn’t sending enough fuel to the carburetor and, as a result, the air/fuel balance is off. There is too much air in the air/fuel balance. Consequently, the mixture isn’t 12:1 air/fuel or 15:1 air/fuel and your car runs lean.
Your Car Is Running Rich
The opposite of running lean is running rich and, you guessed it, this means that there’s too much fuel in the air/fuel mixture. If you notice black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipes, your carburetor is running rich and the smoke is a result of your engine burning the excess fuel in the air/fuel mixture. Your carburetor might need cleaning and an adjustment to fix this.
Your Engine Floods Constantly
A dirty carburetor has dirt deposits in what’s called the fuel bowl. When the fuel bowl is dirty, it will prevent the needle valve from closing. If the needle valve doesn’t close, fuel will overflow into the carburetor. After filling the carburetor, the excess fuel exits through the bowl vents and soaks the spark plugs. Voila! You have a flooded engine due to a dirty carburetor.
610AutoHaus cleans and adjusts carburetors on all European makes and models. We are located in Pottstown, PA, and you can call us to set up an appointment. We will inspect your carburetor and recommend the appropriate cleaning and adjustments to get your engine running as it should be without sneezes or stalls.
