Q. What makes the carburetor leak?
A. The flow of gasoline entering the carburetor through the feed pipe is automatically regulated by the float needle raising and lowering in its seat. Should any particle of dirt become lodged in the seat, which prevents the needle from closing, the gasoline will overflow in the bowl of the carburetor and leak out upon the ground.
Q. What should be done when there is dirt in the carburetor?
A. The spraying nozzle of the carburetor having a very small opening, a minute particle of dirt or other foreign matter will clog up the orifice. The result is that the motor will begin to misfire and slow down as soon as it has attained any considerable speed. This is accounted for by the fact that at high speeds the increased suction will draw the particles of dust, etc., into the nozzle. By opening the valve needle half a turn and giving the throttle lever two or three quick pulls the dirt or sediment will often be drawn through, when the needle may be turned back to its original place. If this does not accomplish the purpose, the carburetor should be drained.
Q. If the engine runs too fast or chokes with throttle retarded, what is to be done?
A. If the engine runs too fast with throttle fully retarded, unscrew the carburetor throttle lever adjusting screw until the engine idles at suitable speed. If the motor chokes or stops when throttle is fully retarded, the adjusting screw should be screwed until it strikes the boss, preventing the throttle from closing too far. When proper adjustment has been made, tighten lock screw so that adjustment will not be disturbed.
Q. What is the purpose of the hot air pipe?
A. It takes the hot air from around the exhaust pipe and conducts it to the carburetor where the heat facilitates the vaporizing of the gasoline. It is usually advisable to remove this pipe in the hot season, but it is an absolutely necessary feature during cold weather.
Q. What is the purpose of the cork float?
A. It automatically controls the flow of gasoline into the carburetor. If it floats too low, starting will be difficult; if too high, the carburetor will flood and leak. A cork float which has become fuel soaked should be removed and replaced by a new one or thoroughly dried and then given a couple of coats of shellac varnish to make it waterproof.