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If your vehicle is one that still features a carburetor, then you know it’s not going to last forever and that new parts aren’t easy to find. While your average carburetor is designed to last for about 100,000 miles, age, dust, dirt, fuel contamination, and debris can reduce its lifespan. The good news is that carburetor rebuild kits can have you back on the road quickly without replacing the entire unit.
Carburetor rebuild kits come with most of the components you need to replace parts from your vehicle’s carburetor. As long as you replace the right parts, you can return on the road without spending a fortune on a custom carburetor.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of carburetor rebuild kits below.
What Comes in a Carburetor Rebuild Kit?
Carburetor rebuild kits come with a handful of parts. However, some vary depending on the kit. The type of carburetor your vehicle has will also influence the parts that it comes with.
Learn about the parts that come in a carburetor rebuild kit below:
- Instructions – Show you how to rebuild the carburetor.
- Screws – Appropriate screws and hardware to install new parts.
- Gaskets and Seals – These prevent fuel leaks throughout the carburetor.
- Float – Functions as a lever and regulator for fuel within the fuel bowl.
- Needle/seat valves – Control the flow of fuel within the carburetor.
- Power valves – Adjust the fuel mixture within the carburetor.
- Check balls – Small, circular parts that allow fuel to flow through the system. Commonly found in accelerator circuits.
- Pump diaphragm – Ensures that fuel flows properly throughout the carburetor.
These are the most common parts that you’ll find in a carburetor rebuild kit. Make sure the carburetor kit you’re looking for has the required parts for your vehicle. Some carburetor kits are incomplete, so you may have to mix and match several kits to get everything you’re searching for.
Advantages of Using a Carburetor Rebuild Kit
Carburetor rebuild kits offer several advantages over going out and purchasing a new carburetor. While the more affordable price is the most obvious perk, you’ll be surprised by some of the other advantages. Learn more about them below.
Affordability
Typically, carburetor rebuild kits cost less than brand-new carburetor parts. Plus, you can always look for kits containing a few parts instead of an entire carburetor, which might cost as little as $50 to $100. Shopping for only the parts you need can help you get a better deal.
When the average carburetor replacement cost is between $500 and $1,000, rebuilding it yourself can help you save several hundred dollars.
Availability
As time passes, carburetors become harder and harder to find because most automakers don’t manufacture them anymore. For this reason, locating a brand-new carburetor for your 1960's hotrod might not be possible. In these cases, you’ll have to find the parts you need from carburetor rebuild kits to get back on the road. While this is less of a problem with recent vehicles, good luck finding a new Ford Model T carburetor.
If you’re having trouble finding the parts you need, you can always mix and match from several carburetor rebuild kits. Overall, having many options makes it easier to end up with a functional carburetor.
Learning Experience
Another advantage of using a carb rebuild kit is gaining valuable experience. Since carburetors are old technology, it’s helpful to know how to work on them. In fact, some modern mechanics may have never worked on a carburetor before, so you have limited options otherwise.
The experience alone is worth the effort, even if you end up replacing the carburetor anyway.
Disadvantages of Using a Carburetor Kit
Carburetor rebuild kits aren’t perfect, and they can be more trouble than they’re worth, depending on your needs. Therefore, it’s important to understand the disadvantages of a carburetor rebuild kit before getting started.
Time and Skill Requirements
One of the biggest disadvantages of rebuilding a carb is that it takes time, skill, and even some money. If you don’t know how to replace a carburetor or how to take one apart, you’re in for a lengthy repair.
Moreover, making a mistake can cost you if you break the carburetor and can’t get the engine to run. So, it’s possible to create more problems if you attempt to rebuild a carburetor without experience.
Incomplete Carburetor Kits
Carburetor rebuild kits come with lots of parts, but that doesn’t always mean they come with the right parts. In some cases, you’ll find carburetor kits that don’t have every specific part you’re looking for. Plus, some kits might not work for your vehicle at all.
Unfortunately, this comes down to luck and the availability of parts. While you’re better off trying your luck with a kit instead of a brand-new carburetor, that doesn’t always mean rebuild kits will be available.
Risk of Failure
Last but not least, you don’t want to risk failure. You can make a mistake when rebuilding the carburetor that leads to extensive damage to your carburetor and vehicle. Ultimately, attempting to do a rebuild without experience can end up costing you more money than a simple carburetor replacement.
On the other hand, you can do the best job possible and still end up with a broken carburetor. Sometimes, the part is just too far gone.
Always make sure you assess the state of the carburetor before you purchase a carb rebuild kit and get started.
Rebuild vs Replace
Knowing when to rebuild or replace your carburetor is essential. Sometimes, carburetors are too far gone for a rebuild kit to work, and other times, you might want a high-performance carburetor instead of the stock part. We take you through some factors to consider before rebuilding or replacing your carburetor below.
Consider Your Mechanical Skill
Mechanical skill is the first thing you should consider when rebuilding a carburetor. You’ll have to clean the components, identify what needs to be replaced, and source the right parts. If you’re unsure about what you’re looking at when you pop the hood, it’s best to opt for a carburetor replacement by a professional.
Even if you know the basics, replacing the carburetor can be easier than taking apart your current carburetor and rebuilding it.
Consider the Cost
If you’re mechanically skilled, you can save a lot of money on a carburetor rebuild. You can source the parts you need after taking apart your carb and identifying the problem. From there, you can order exactly what you need and rebuild everything else for about $100 on the high end.
Consider the Condition of the Carburetor
Lastly, consider the condition of the carburetor. If you start rebuilding it and notice that the float plate and accelerator pump are shot, it’s a good idea to opt for a new carburetor. On the other hand, if your carburetor is just leaking, it might only need a gasket or two to achieve optimal performance.
Overall, use your best judgement and identify the parts that need to be rebuilt/replaced before you get started. And whatever process you decide, JEGS has the parts to get the job done right.
