Why are there three pipes on the carburetor?
4 Answers
The three pipes on the carburetor consist of two engine gearbox vent pipes and one carburetor overflow pipe. Below are specific details about the carburetor: 1. Needle adjustment: Follow the throttle cable to locate the carburetor and open the carburetor cover; after opening the cover, remove the internal spring to reveal the position of the needle; take out the needle along with the needle holder, and push the internal retaining ring of the needle holder upward to remove the needle; use pliers to adjust the needle shim. Note: Lifting the needle enriches the air-fuel mixture, while lowering the needle leans the mixture. 2. Carburetor cleaner: Carburetor cleaner is corrosive and is suitable for removing oil stains and carbon deposits from various metal hard surfaces of components and individual parts. It is primarily used to clean residual oil stains inside automotive carburetors.
When I first disassembled an old-fashioned engine, I found three tubes on the carburetor, which was quite interesting. The thickest one is usually the intake pipe, where air is sucked in to mix with gasoline; another slightly thinner one is called the fuel pipe, through which gasoline flows from the fuel tank to ensure the engine has enough 'food' to run; the third one is often a small vent pipe, balancing internal pressure or handling idle needs to prevent clogging. I've tried DIY projects before—once the tubes age and leak, the car stalls and loses power. Nowadays, new cars use fuel injection systems, but classic car enthusiasts still need to regularly check these pipes. Cleaning them with compressed air does the trick—saving money and ensuring safety. Don’t wait until the engine throws a tantrum!
I've laid hands on countless car engines in my lifetime, where the three pipes of a carburetor each serve distinct purposes. The main intake pipe handles air input, the fuel pipe delivers gasoline, and the ventilation pipe maintains pressure balance—sometimes connected to the idle speed device. Novices often mix them up; I've seen cases where a blocked pipe made the engine gasp and smoke. During routine maintenance, use a flashlight to check for loose connections and cracked hoses. Experience tells me that changing the oil every two years extends hose life at a cost under a hundred yuan. In short, this simple yet efficient three-pipe design forms the reliable foundation of classic cars, but always replace leaking parts promptly—driving safety comes first.
From a cost-saving perspective in car usage, the three tubes of a carburetor aren't overly complex. First, the intake tube brings in air; second, the fuel tube supplies gasoline; and third, the vent tube regulates pressure. The key to saving on maintenance costs with these tubes is preventing blockages. I've learned that if the tube connections leak fuel or rust, the engine consumes more fuel, potentially doubling repair expenses. A DIY approach—simply cleaning the connections or adding sealing tape—costs just a few dollars. When buying a used older car, always check these tubes for integrity to avoid major repair pitfalls, ensuring smooth driving and keeping your wallet happy.
