I have read and re-read every post regarding this subject, and I am at my wit's end. I have the shop manual, and my interpretation of the picture has things in the following order, from the top (flat part) of the needle to the bottom: 1) grey plunger, 2) little spring that always gets lost, 3) c-clip, 4) thicker metal washer, 5) thick white nylon spacer, 6) thinner metal washer.

However, from reading previous threads, and looking at how mine was put together, the order is as follows: 1) grey plunger, 2) little spring that always gets lost, 3) thicker metal washer, 4) c-clip, 5) thick white nylon spacer 6) thinner metal washer.

I realize that thinking about this probably gives all of you a headache, but can someone please tell me the absolute correct order for the stock needle? It seems as though if I do it like the shop manual says, all of the washers/spacers will be below the c-clip, raising the needle up too high, and causing it to run lean. Any input would be appreciated.

 

However, from reading previous threads, and looking at how mine was put together, the order is as follows: 1) grey plunger, 2) little spring that always gets lost, 3) thicker metal washer, 4) c-clip, 5) thick white nylon spacer 6) thinner metal washer.

This was how mine came stock.

 

The best order is as follows:
1) grey plunger,
2) little spring that always gets lost,
3) thinner metal washer,
4) c-clip,
5) thick white nylon spacer,
6) thicker metal washer.

Why - If you look at the bottom of the cavity that the needle rest in, you will note that the bottom is not flat. This is a casting break. If you assemble and turn the slide over, you will note that the needle does not rest in the center of hole. It is offset and will rub against needle jet and cause premature wear.

Fix - Take the flat thick washer and grind a flat(deburr), approximately half the distance to the center hole.
Install this washer first and with needle or a pick, rotate washer till lays flat in bottom of bore.
Install remainder of components. Turn over and note that the space around needle is now even.

 

Thanks for the response Mr. Oldman. If I understand you correctly, you are recommending something that is different than the shop manual picture (if I am reading it correctly-the picture is unclear) and different than how mine is now assembled. Since you are the resident expert at tuning the stock carb, I will go with your recommendations. I have three follow up questions:

1) If I put the thicker metal washer at the bottom like you recommend, won't that in effect be raising the needle some, causing it to be leaner? Is so, shouldn't I put the C-Clip lower (i.e. a richer position) than I otherwise would to compensate?

2) I understand the problem of the needle not sitting in the middle of the hole at the bottom of the slide. Now, is this caused by using the thicker washer at the bottom, or does the problem exist even when using the thinner washer at the bottom (how I have it now)?

3) If I do just put the bigger washer at the bottom, but don't grind it to sit flush, will I have any performance problems, ignoring the fact that the needle jet and/or needle may wear out more quickly from rubbing together?

 

Factory settings are;
1-grey plunger
2-spring
3-thick washer
4-c-clip
5-white plastic washer
6-thin washer

 

JMAC, that is how mine was set up from the factory. However, if you look at the diagram in the shop manual, I believe the picture is showing something different. On that picture, the c-clip is above all of the washers, with only the little spring and the grey plunger above the c-clip. Am I reading that picture wrong?

 

Trust us. It goes the way I explained.

 

jusrlax,

1 - Putting the thicker washer below the clip is raising the needle -
same as lowering the clip - causes a richer mid range.

2 - The offset at the bottom of needle base is .020-.025". By using the thicker
washer (.040) , it will sit into the lowest part of offset.
End result is that the thicker washer is now holding the needle perpendicular to base
and is at the same height as if using the thin washer.

3 - Any time the needle does not rest centered into the needle jet, you are
not allowing fuel to atomize evenly. Fuel that was atomized in the emulsion tube
will collect where needle touches needle jet, and collect into droplets.
I could go on but I hope you understand the theory.

 

Mark you and andy come out sunday and we will figure out the order out there or pretend too anyway.

 

http://www.inglesperformance.com/fiche_select.asp


Please note that thick washer is on the bottom.
Note the price difference between thick and thin washer.

Just trying to help.