An engine's carburetor operates primarily to combine air and fuel together into a specific mixture and to deliver that mixture into the engine where it is burned to produce power. A carburetor' secondary function is to provide vacuum to vacuum-powered engine components, such as a vacuum-advance carburetor. Finally, the carburetor's throttle linkage allows the carburetor to be controlled from the interior of the vehicle. Hooking up a carburetor is normally a straightforward job.
Attach vacuum-powered components to the base of the carburetor. Note that there are several brass nipples of varying size on the base of the carburetor. These fittings are vacuum access points for the engine's vacuum-powered accessories, such as a vacuum advance distributor. To attach a vacuum-powered accessory to the carburetor, simply slide the hose from the accessory onto one of the nipples on the base of the carburetor.
Close any unused brass nipples on the carburetor by pushing a rubber cap over each unused nipple. Rubber vacuum plugs are commonly available at most automotive parts supply retailers.
Attach the throttle linkage to the carburetor. The throttle linkage is located on the driver's side of the carburetor. Most throttle linkages attach to the carburetor with either a single screw or a clip. Insert the tip of the linkage through the side of the carburetor, then secure the linkage to the carburetor with the screw or clip. Pull the linkage towards the vehicle's windshield to ensure that the linkage operates freely.
Connect the fuel supply line to the carburetor to complete the process. The fuel line typically attaches to a large fitting on the side of the carburetor, although some fittings are located on the front of the carburetor. Slide a single hose clamp over the fuel line, then press the fuel line onto the fitting on the carburetor. Slide the hose clamp to the end of the fuel line where the line meets the carburetor, then tighten the clamp by turning the clamp's single screw in a clockwise direction with a flathead screwdriver.
