need carburator expert advice

[TLanglitz]

I'm rebuilding the carburator on my 1958 super seahorse 35 horse RDSL-20. I just assembled the new needle & seat, and installed the float. When I turn the carb over to let the float fall, the needle is sticking in the seat. I had this problem with my old cub cadet mower once and finally ended up reinstalling the original all brass needle (don't have one for the outboard.) The new needle and seat are dry and appear to be perfect. The needle was only dropped into the seat and I've put no pressure on it at all. Should I lube the rubber tip with something or would that make it worse? I don't want to get this together and end up with no fuel.<br /><br />Also... I saw a post that said high and low speed needle adjustments should be at 1 and 1.5 turns innitially. The instructions in the rebuild kit say 3/4 and 1 turn. Which is correct?<br />Thanks in advance<br />Tom

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: need carburator expert advice

The fuel pressure should push the needle out of the seat. Some rebuild kits come with a little spring to hold the needle to the seat, but it's really unnecessary if you've got a fuel pump.<br /><br />Follow the post's advice. It's easier to start from too rich than too lean.

 

[TLanglitz]

Re: need carburator expert advice

Thanks Paul,<br />That makes sense with a fuel pump. The one on the mower was only gravity feed. <br /><br />The instructions for the rubuild kit are pretty useless. Thank goodness for this bulletin board.<br />Tom