Top of carburetor floods my engine?

Tiny
TERRANCE HAWKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 300,000 MILES
I'm not sure what the part is called, but it attaches to the top of the carburetor. It feeds fuel to the carburetor. When I turn the key to the on position, it starts pumping gas way too much. It doesn't stop, so it floods my engine. What could be the cause?
Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 AT 10:19 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
This happens when debris gets into the needle and seat of the carburetor, it will need to be disassembled and cleaned also I would replace the fuel filter as well. Let me know how it goes.

The part you are referring to is called a carburetor float and needle valve assembly. The float and needle valve are responsible for regulating the fuel flow into the carburetor bowl. If the float or needle valve is malfunctioning, it can cause an excessive fuel supply and result in engine flooding.

There are a few potential causes for the issue you described:

Stuck Float: The float inside the carburetor bowl may be stuck in the open position, causing the needle valve to remain open continuously. This allows an excessive amount of fuel to enter the carburetor, leading to flooding.

Faulty Needle Valve: The needle valve, which is controlled by the float, may be worn out, damaged, or not seating properly. This can result in fuel continuously flowing into the carburetor, causing flooding.

Dirt or Debris: If there is debris or dirt lodged in the needle valve or float assembly, it can prevent the valve from closing properly. This can cause a constant flow of fuel and result in flooding.

To address the issue, you can try the following steps:

Inspection: Remove the carburetor float bowl and inspect the float and needle valve assembly. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or sticking.

Clean or Replace: If there is dirt or debris obstructing the needle valve, clean it using carburetor cleaner or compressed air. If the float or needle valve is damaged, it's recommended to replace the assembly with a new one.

Adjust the Float Level: If the float is not stuck or damaged, you may need to adjust the float level. Consult a repair manual or manufacturer specifications for the proper float height adjustment procedure.

Professional Assistance: If the issue persists or you're unsure about performing these steps yourself, it's recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or an experienced automotive technician. They will have the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and ensure proper repair.

By addressing the issue with the carburetor float and needle valve assembly, you should be able to resolve the excessive fuel supply problem and prevent engine flooding in your 1987 Oldsmobile Ciera.
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Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 AT 12:05 PM

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