SECTION 3-F 1952 BUICK CARTER 4-BARREL CARBURETOR
3-24 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF 1952 BUICK CARTER 4-BARREL CARBURETOR
General Description
The Carter Model WCFB carburetor used on the Series 70 engine is a 4-barrel downdraft type which provides the advantages of a compound installation of two 2-barrel carburetors in one compact unit. See figure 3-42.
To aid description and the proper identification of parts the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor is consider to be divided into a primary section and a secondary section.
The primary section covers the 2-barrelled forward half of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor assembly. This section is essentially a complete 2-barrel carburetor containing a float system, low speed system, high speed system, power system, and accelerating system. This section also includes an accelerator vacuum switch for starting the engine, and the climatic control (automatic choke) mechanism.
The secondary section covers the 2-barrelled rearward half of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor assembly. This section is essentially a supplementary 2-barrel carburetor which cuts in to assist the primary section when a pre-determined car speed or engine load is reached. This section contains a float system, low speed system with fixed jets (non-adjustable) and a high speed system. It has a separate set of throttle valves and a set of auxiliary valves which are located in the barrels above the throttle valves.
The primary throttle valves are operated by the accelerator pedal and the connecting throttle linkage. The secondary throttle valves are operated by the primary throttle valve shaft through delayed action linkage which permits a pre-determined opening of the primary valves before the secondary valves start to open. Action of the linkage then causes both sets of throttle valves to reach the wide open position at the same time.
The accelerator vacuum switch, which is operated by the primary throttle valve shaft, is fully described in paragraph 10-32. The other systems of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor are described in the following subparagraphs.
Operation of Float Systems
Each section of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor has a separate float system consisting of a float bowl formed by a partition in the body, a 2-pontoon float and lever, needle, and needle seat. Fuel enters the carburetor through a strainer in the inlet passage above the secondary needle seat. From this point, fuel is supplied to the primary float bowl through a passage in the air horn. See figure 3-43.
When the fuel reaches the prescribed level in each float bowl the float and lever moves the needle against its seat to shut off flow of fuel. A connecting passage along one side of the body effects a balance of the fuel levels and air pressures between the primary and secondary float bowls.
The joint between the air horn and body is sealed by a gasket, and the bowls are vented by passages which are calibrated to provide proper air pressure above the bowl fuel under all operating conditions. These passages in the air horn lead into the air cleaner elbow and also to outside atmosphere.
In first production carburetors, a passage containing a spring loaded check ball permits escape of gas fumes from the float bowls at idle or when engine is not running. When the throttle valves are opened beyond the idle setting the vapor vent passage is closed by the check ball and spring. When the throttle valves are at idle position an arm on the pump operating countershaft depresses the ball to open the vent passage and permit escape of fumes. See figure 3-43.
Operation of Low Speed Systems
Each barrel of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor has a separate low speed system but the general operation is identical in all barrels. The low speed system in each barrel supplies fuel to the engine whenever the position of the throttle valve is such that suction is created at the idle ports in the wall of the body flange. This happens at idle and part throttle operation.
Suction on an idle port causes fuel in float bowl to flow through the metering rod jet (primary side) or main metering jet (secondary side) into a passage which supplies both the low speed jet and the main nozzle. It then flows upward through the low speed jet which meters the fuel used by the low speed system. Above the low speed jet the fuel is combined with a stream of air coming in from the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor throat through a by-pass. The combining of the air stream with the fuel tends to atomize or break up the gasoline into a vapor. See figure 3-44.
The fuel-air mixture passes through a small drilled passage called the economizer and is combined with an additional air stream coming through the air bleed from the throat of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor. This additional air tends to break the fuel particles into a still finer vapor.
The fuel-air mixture that flows downward through the idle mixture passage and out through the idle ports is still richer than an idle mixture needs to be, but when it mixes with the air coming in past the throttle valve, it forms a combustible mixture of the right proportions for idle speed.
The upper idle port is slotted vertically. As the throttle valve is opened it not only allows more air to come in past it but also uncovers more of the idle port, thereby allowing a greater quantity of the fuel-air mixture to enter the carburetor throat from the idle mixture passage.
With continued opening of the throttle valve the suction on the idle ports tapers off until a point is reached where the low speed system no longer supplies fuel-air mixture. Before this point is reached, however, the high speed system has begun to supply fuel, as described later.
In the primary section, the quantity of fuel-air mixture supplied through the lower idle ports is controlled by the idle adjustment screws, which may be adjusted to provide smooth engine idle operation. In the secondary section, the quantity of fuel air mixture is controlled by the size of the ports.
The secondary throttle valves remain closed during normal idle and intermediate speeds of the engine, until the primary throttle valves are opened approximately 40-45 degrees. While the secondary valves are closed, fuel-air mixture is continually delivered from the secondary lower idle ports. As the secondary valves are opened additional fuel-air mixture is supplied through the upper idle ports as previously described.
Operation of High Speed Systems
Each barrel of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor has a separate high speed system which supplies fuel to the engine whenever the position of the throttle valve is such that the incoming air stream creates suction on the main nozzle. The high speed systems in all barrels operate in a similar manner except that the fuel flow through the systems in the primary section is controlled by metering rods and jets, while the fuel flow in the secondary section is controlled by main metering jets only.
In each barrel, air entering through the air horn passes through the venturi system which increases the velocity of the air and creates a suction on the main nozzle. This causes fuel in the float bowl to flow through the metering rod jet (primary) or main metering jet (secondary) into the main nozzle, from which it is discharged into the air stream passing through the small venturi. See figure 3-45.
If any vapor bubbles are formed in the hot gasoline in the main nozzle passage, they rise in the low speed jet well and the vapor exhausts through the anti-percolator passage into the barrel. This avoids percolating difficulties which might occur if the vapor bubbles rose directly into the main nozzle.
In each barrel of the primary section, the amount of fuel entering the high speed system is metered or controlled by the area of the opening between the metering rod jet and the end of the metering rod which extends into the jet. The lower end of the metering rod has steps of different diameters to provide different metering areas, depending upon the position of the metering rod in the jet. The metering rod is connected by a link, countershaft and connector rod to the primary throttle shaft so that it is raised when the throttle valve is opened and lowered when the throttle valve is closed.
On idle and part throttle operation the largest or economy step of metering rod extends into the jet, thereby giving the smallest metering area. As the throttle valve is opened for high speed or greater power, the metering rod is raised so that the middle step and later the smallest or power step provides increased metering area between rod and jet. At top speed, the smallest or power step is in the jet.
Engines operated at part throttle on level road use a mixture of maximum leanness. The mixture for greatest power and acceleration is somewhat richer, and is furnished by the power and accelerating systems described later.
The high speed systems in the primary section control the flow of fuel during the intermediate or port throttle range of operation and up to approximately 85 MPH. The secondary throttle valves remain closed until the primary valves have opened approximately 40-45 degrees, after which they are opened proportionately so that all valves reach the wide open position at the same time. While the secondary valves are closed, the auxiliary valves located above them are held closed by the weight on the auxiliary valve shaft lever (fig. 3-42); therefore there is not sufficient air flow through the barrels to operate the high speed systems in the secondary section.
When the secondary throttle valves are open and the engine speed is at least 1200-1400 RPM, the resulting air flow through the secondary barrels forces the auxiliary valves open because their supporting shaft is located off-center in the barrels. When the auxiliary valves are open the high speed systems in the secondary section also supply fuel to the engine.
Operation of the Power System
For maximum power or high speed operation above approximately 85 MPH, a richer mixture is required than that necessary for normal throttle opening. The richer mixture is supplied through the high speed systems in the primary section through vacuum control of the metering rods.
The power system consists of a vacumeter piston located in a cylinder connected to manifold vacuum, a spring which tends to push the piston upward against manifold vacuum, and a vacumeter piston link attached to the piston and supporting the two metering rods. See figure 3-45.
Under part throttle operation, manifold vacuum is sufficient to hold the piston and link down against the tension of the spring, so that the link is held against the tongue of the metering rod arm. The metering rods are then raised and lowered mechanically as the throttle valve is opened and closed. When the throttle valve is opened to a point where additional fuel is required for satisfactory operation, manifold vacuum decreases sufficiently so that the piston spring moves the piston, link and metering rods upward to the proper metering rod step position to give the required richer mixture, independently of throttle opening. As soon as the demand is passed, manifold vacuum moves the piston link down against the metering rod arm so that the metering rods are controlled mechanically again.
Operation of Accelerating System
The accelerating system supplies the extra quantity of fuel which is needed momentarily for smooth and rapid acceleration when the throttle valve is suddenly opened at speeds below 30 MPH. This system is built into the primary section of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor.
A pump plunger, operating in a cylinder cast into the primary float bowl, is mechanically operated from the throttle valve shaft by means of the throttle shaft arm, pump connector rod, pump operating arm and countershaft assembly, pump arm and pump arm link. The pump circuit contains intake and discharge check valves and a discharge passage leading to a pump jet in each primary barrel of 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor. See figure 3-46.
When the throttle is closed, the pump plunger moves up and draws a supply of fuel from the primary float bowl past the intake ball into the pump cylinder. When the throttle is opened, the pump plunger on its downward stroke exerts pressure on the fuel which presses the intake ball against its seat, raises the check needle off its seat and discharges a metered quantity of fuel through the pump jets into each barrel of 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor. The pump plunger spring provides a follow-up action so that the fuel discharge carries out over a brief period of time. A relief check valve connecting the discharge passage with the float bowl prevents excessive build-up of pressure in case the throttle is suddenly snapped open. See figure 3-46.
At speeds above approximately 30 MPH, pump discharge is not required for smooth acceleration. When the throttle valves are opened for higher speeds, the pump plunger bottoms in the cylinder so that pump discharge will not result from throttle valve movements.
During high speed operation a vacuum exists at the pump jets. To prevent withdrawal of fuel through the pump circuit, the passage to the pump jets is vented by a cross passage to the float bowl above the fuel level. This allows air instead of fuel to be drawn off the pump jets. See figure 3-46.
Operation of Climatic Control (Automatic Choke)
The climatic control mechanism is contained in the primary section of the 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor. Except for minor details of construction it is identical with the same mechanism used in the 2-barrel carburetor, which is fully described in paragraph 3-19.
The secondary section does not have a choke valve in the air horn. In order to prevent air entering the carburetor through the secondary side during the engine warm-up period it is necessary to lock the auxiliary throttle valve in the closed position. This is accomplished by engagement of a lock-out arm with a locking step on the auxiliary valve shaft lever. See figure 3-42.
With the choke valve in wide open position the lock-out arm rests in a lowered position, clear of the auxiliary valve shaft lever. As the choke valve closes it rotates the fast idle cam trip lever, and an arm on the lever raises the lock-out arm. As soon as the choke valve is closed a few degrees from wide open position the hooked end of the lock-out arm lies in the line of travel of the locking step on the valve shaft lever, thereby preventing the shaft and valves from turning.
3-25 DISASSEMBLY, CLEANING, INSPECTION OF 1952 BUICK CARTER 4-BARREL CARBURETOR
Disassembly of 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor
- Remove pin spring and disconnect rod from fast idle cam trip lever and choke lever. Remove choke lever from choke shaft.
- Disconnect pump connector rod from pump operating lever, push retainer off lower end of rod, and remove rod and retainer.
- Remove dust cover and gasket. Rotate eyes of metering rods off pins on vacumeter piston link and lift rods out, using care to avoid bending them. See figure 3-47.
Cleaning and Inspection of Parts
The procedure for cleaning and inspection of parts is the same as the procedure for the 2-barrel carburetor. Refer to paragraph 3-22 (b, c) for carburetor parts and paragraph 3-21 (b) for climatic control parts.
3-26 ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT OF 1952 BUICK CARTER 4-BARREL CARBURETOR
During assembly of 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor, use all new gaskets and any additional new parts found to be necessary during inspection. Calibrated parts must be as specified for carburetor CODE number.
The following new gaskets must be soaked in 90 proof denatured alcohol for 15 minutes, installed on part, and let dry before installing the parts: Needle seat gaskets; Bowl strainer nut gasket; Pump relief plug gasket.
- Drive new idle port rivet plugs firmly into openings in body flange, using Rivet Set T 109-211.
- Place secondary throttle shaft in body flange and install valves with new screws. Stamped numbers on valves must be downward and toward middle of flange. Shift the valves as required to provide the closest possible fit in barrels in closed position, then tighten screws securely. See figure 3-52. Support screw heads on suitable steel block and stake opposite ends of screws.
Place switch ball in body flange. Place guide block in switch plunger and install in body flange with grooved side of plunger upward toward main body flange. Install switch return spring and terminal cap, holding cap down while installing screws with lockwashers. See figure 3-53.
- Install idle adjustment screws with springs in body flange. Seat screws lightly and then turn both screws out exactly one full turn off seats, which will provide an average starting adjustment. Forcing screws hard against seats will score the valve s and ruin them for service.
- Install body flange on main body, using new gasket and providing attaching screws with lock washers.
- Place a new intake check ball retainer and check ball in small end of the sleeve of Loader Unit T109-122U, (shown in figure 3-37) holding sleeve vertical. Invert main body and insert parts and tool into pump cylinder, then turn body over and tap sleeve to seat the retainer in recess at bottom of pump cylinder. See figure 3-50.
- Install pump relief plug and gasket and the four metering jets in main body. See figure 3-50. The main metering jets in primary side are marked 120-165 and have a larger hole than the metering rod jets in secondary side, which are marked 120-174.
- Place pump check needle, tapered end downward, in passage in main body, then install gasket, pump jet housing, and attaching screw. See figure 3-50.
- Place vacuum piston spring and lower pump spring ii) proper cylinders in main body. Install pump plunger in cylinder, using care to avoid creasing or curling edges of plunger leather washer.
- Install piston housing on air horn, using a new gasket at vacuum passage.
- Connect choke piston to shaft link with piston pin, install shaft in air horn, and guide piston into cylinder. See figure 3-49.
- Install choke valve on shaft with circled “C” mark toward top of air horn; use new screws. Close valve and check for uniform clearance between edges of valve and wall of air horn. If clearance is not uniform, or valve sticks in air horn at any point, loosen screws and shift valve to obtain uniform clearance and freedom from sticking. It is important to have the choke valve fit properly otherwise hard starting may result. Support heads of valve screws on suitable steel block and lightly stake opposite ends of screws.
- Install baffle plate and a new coil housing gasket. Place housing on air horn with indicator mark near bottom and install retainers, leaving screws loose. Rotate housing counterclockwise (opposite to arrow) until choke valve closes and indicator mark aligns with the long center indicator rib on air horn, then tighten retainer screws.
- Install bowl vent ball, spring, and plug in primary side of air horn, if used.
- If old float needle seats were discarded, install new seats and gaskets. Using large screw driver tighten seats firmly but not so tightly as to cause distortion. Attach float needles to float levers and install float assemblies and lever pins on air horn, leaving cover gasket off. NOTE: If old seats and needles are used be sure to place each needle in its original seat.
- With air horn inverted, adjust both float and lever assemblies at follows:
- Using Float Gauge T109-223 (1/4 “wide) for primary float or Gauge T109-224 (3/8” wide) for secondary float, place gauge under middle of float pontoons with notched ends of gauge fitted over the edges of air horn. See figure 3-54.
(b) With float lever resting on seated needle, bend arms of float assembly as required until each float pontoon just clears the horizontal bar of gauge and the sides of each pontoon just clear the vertical arms of gauge. Do not use pressure on float pontoons.
- Back out throttle idle stop screw until primary throttle valves seat in bores of body flange.
- With throttle valves held closed, measure distance that upper end of pump plunger rod is below the top edge of dust cover boss on air horn, using a narrow scale with sliding clip. See figure 3-55. This distance should be 9/32″.
If scale is not available, hold a narrow straight edge on top of dust cover boss. The top flat surface of pump lever should be parallel with straight edge. See figure 3-55.
- Loosen metering arm clamp screw just enough so that arm can be turned on countershaft.
- Press down on vacumeter piston link until metering rods bottom in 1952 Buick Carter 4-barrel Carburetor body casting.
- While holding rods down and primary throttle valves fully closed, revolve metering rod arm until tongue on arm contacts lip of vacumeter piston link, then carefully tighten metering rod arm clamp screw. See figure 3-56.
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