Set spring tension on AVS

[Rackarboda]

Just bought a restored Carter AVS in the hunt for a normal drive without cursing the bogging and hiccups. However, there seems to be something missing when I'm about to adjust the vacuum secondary, and the guy who sold me the carb wasn't really sure of how it was supposed to function properly. Do I need a special tool to do this, or has something got lost in the way?

 

[440beep]

Definitely looks like the adjusting screw head is missing. Should be a flat head screw. But what does the other side look like?

 

[Rackarboda]

The other side has a slot in it, but seems to be a part of the butterfly rod. I have been looking for reference photos on the internet, but either found only the Edelbrock Thunder or a picture of the choke side of the carb. The closest stuff I found was a guy at the A-bodies community with a picture, and a video of some guy selling restored carbs.

 

[dvw]

Nope what you have is normal. The screw is the lock. The outer tin "top hat" shaped piece is the adjuster. When new they have two very small tangs on the internal edge that were adjusted with a factory tool. More time than not they are broken off. Fear not they are not necessary. Be very careful not to lose your current adjustment. By holding the tin adjuster with a screw driver pushed in the middle or if your brave needle nose on the outside edge of the adjuster, loosen the lock screw. Clockwise slows the opening, counter clockwise quickens it. Also the choke pull off holds the door shut until the engine vacuum drops. if its missing the door will open to quickly. Usual adjustment range is from 2.5 to 4 turns clockwise with the adjuster from the door hanging full open.
Doug

 

[Rackarboda]

Much obliged, that's basically what I hoped for
The sad part of the story is that I couldn't keep my hands off the lock screw, and the flaps are now wide open... I tried to tension the spring with the tin adjuster, but I just won't get a grip, that's why I was wondering about some special tool to do this.

 

[dvw]

Much obliged, that's basically what I hoped for
The sad part of the story is that I couldn't keep my hands off the lock screw, and the flaps are now wide open... I tried to tension the spring with the tin adjuster, but I just won't get a grip, that's why I was wondering about some special tool to do this.

It can be done with needle nose. Get the lock screw real loose. Add a little lube and get it to move first. Then adjust and tighten.
Doug

 

[ckessel]

Ma Mopar had a special tool that was for the AVS and TQ. Essentially a tube with notches on one end to mate up with the ones on the adjuster and a t on the other for turning. As I remember from the OLD DC tuning bulletins, on a TQ, you backed the adjuster off till the door went vertical, turned it back slowly till it just closed, then two turns tension on it and tighten the little side screw to lock. You may check in with Scott at HARMS as he restores these plus TQ's and may have the tool plus adjustment tips. He has ads in Chrysler Power.