M38A1 float adjustment...?

Casey B · #1 05-01-12, 02:54

Well I have cleaned and replaced as well as rebuilt all that I can in terms of the fuel system ecept the fuel pump and that is working fine. I checked fuel flow through the filters it is good.
But still not starting. I gave it a few shots of fuel through the top of the carb and it fired so it was not getting feul through the float and needle vlave assembly.
I tried to blow throu it after taking the top of the carb off and the needle valve was stuck in the closed position with very little fuel in the bowl.
So reffering to the pics below you can see that i made a cardboard measuring template to measure the float height as well i am adjusting theheight of the loat by bending the samll tab that rests on the small sprung plunger part of the needle valve...

IS this the correct proceedure to adjust or should it be bent in another location along the part that is soldered to the float? The pics show how much the tab is bent and it does not ride smoothly over the sprung part.
Any suggestions and measurements would sure help.

rob love · #2 05-01-12, 04:23

I usually use a long bolt shank for a gauge.....5/16 if I recall. I think the tab should sit a little flatter on the needle....it will get cocked the way you have it. Bend the arm towards the float.

You likely could have tapped the carb to free up the stuck needle.

Wayne Hingley · #3 14-08-17, 07:06

Bringing back an old thread here...

I have been trying to work out a slight hesitation on acceleration with my jeep. I carefully set the float at 1/4" (which is what I found in the Carter YS manual). Should I try a bit more (ex: 5/16")? I know very small adjustments to that float can make a huge difference in behavior.