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Carter AFB Competition Series on 318

Flash

Flash

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Hey I have a 1972 charger with 318. It has a Carter AFB carb on it.

I am having issues recently that when I start the car. I'll pump the gas pedal 2-3 times then start the car and the rpm will shoot up to about 4-5k and drop down to about 2-3k. Then the car will idle around 2k.

It did idle just fine last week, but it also had old gas in it from the previous owner letting it sit.

So does the idle speed just need adjusted? Are there any manuals available for this carburetor?

Thanks!
 
5k is pretty high. I would look carefully at ALL the linkage, meaning throttle, cable, plus the idle cams for anything sticking and then go from there. There are readily available documents for about every carb AFB's are no exception. There is anumber on the corner of the carb base, four digits, then an "S".
 
Last edited:
Lefty71 said:
5k is pretty high. I would look carefully at ALL the linkage, meaning throttle, cable, plus the idle cams for anything sticking and then go from there. There are readily available documents for about every car, AFB's are no exception. There is anumber on the corner of the carb base, four digits, then an "S".
Click to expand...

Yeah the throttle does seem too stick also. I'll take a look at it. Thanks
 
I ran the Carter Competition carb on several 273s. Never had a problem.
 
Carb rebuild time, you could have old dried up gas coating any/everything.
 
I would disconnect the throttle and kickdown linkage , then manually whack the throttle a couple times, start it up, see what it does. I highly suspect binding linkage of some sort.

No choke of any sort on a comp series, right?
 
Is it an electric choke?
Wire fell off perhaps or heater not working.
 
33 IMP said:
I would disconnect the throttle and kickdown linkage , then manually whack the throttle a couple times, start it up, see what it does. I highly suspect binding linkage of some sort.

No choke of any sort on a comp series, right?
Click to expand...

Yeah I could see something binding, the throttle seems too stick slightly.

I think it has an electronic chock. But I'm not sure. I'll post some pictures and model of the carb tonight.
 
Don Frelier said:
Is it an electric choke?
Wire fell off perhaps or heater not working.
Click to expand...

I think it is, but I'm used to old motorcycles so I'll look closer tonight and post pictures.
 
When you clean the linkages and springs do not oil them up. This attracts dirt. Brake cleaner is the best IMO but it could eat off the intakes paint. Put a shop towel under the linkages and springs before spraying them up close.

You may also want to spray the step up springs for some inner carb cleaning without taking it apart.

FWIW, the electric choke cap has a notch that should be aligned with the housing notches at 2 past dead center toward the right, front of the car. This is the base factory setting and a great start point IF it ever actually needs adjustment.
 
Another possibility is a bent shaft. This can be cause by a heavy return spring mounted off center. Over constant us use the shaft begins to wear on the aluminum causing excessive wear. Also wears the seals out. There may be some vacuum leaks involved
 
Grabbed a few photos.

It does seem like some of the linkage sticks some.

Found the model too. Carter AFB 9605S

IMG_20190821_184556.jpg IMG_20190821_184543.jpg IMG_20190821_184626.jpg
 
Nice old and damn good carb. 600. Fm, Chevy/universal arm is it? I have the old Fed/Mougal catalogue. Good stuff in there.
 
I must say, im surprised. My carter competition series afb did NOT ever have a choke. I guess I was wrong thinking that none did.
Check for sticking fast idle cam on the choke side too.

20190821_181252.jpg 20190821_181321.jpg
 
I have several and they all have electric chokes
 
Check the choke pull off diaphragm. Front left looks like a little space saucer. Put vacuum on it and see if it pulls down on the rod.
Looks like the linkage may indeed be crusty as well.
 
Don Frelier said:
Check the choke pull off diaphragm. Front left looks like a little space saucer. Put vacuum on it and see if it pulls down on the rod.
Looks like the linkage may indeed be crusty as well.
Click to expand...


Yeah I had someone at work suggest that too. I was just going to pull on the linkage and see if it moves.

How would I apply vacuum to it?
 
Last edited:
Couple feet of vac.hose between pull-off and your mouth, not much suction involved. Looks like u have a spring missing on kick down linkage also.
 
Hey looked over the carburetor and it is the linkage I circled in the pictures.

The throttle would stick only when it was pressed enough to engage this linkage. Believe it is the kickdown linkage?

So is there a return spring missing from it? I tried spraying some brake cleaner at the joints and it didn't help much.

Also, appreciate all the help!

1086950615.png 2053600295.png
 
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