Control Your Carbs: VW Carburetor Installation

Replacing your VW Carburetor is an easy job that should take approximately 1 hour. With step-by-step instructions, your VW engine will be operating like new in no time! The install experts here at Mid America Motorworks teach you to replace your Air Cooled Volkswagen Dual Port Carburetor safely and efficiently.

For this project, you will need:

• Carburetor – 355120VAL
• 13mm Open-Ended Wrench or Socket
• Flathead Screwdriver
• 8mm Wrench or Socket with Ratchet
• Locktight

1. Be sure to disconnect your VW's battery. Also note, it is always better to have a cold engine to avoid injury.

2. When unpacking your new carburetor, notice a new gasket and installation studs are included.
3. Free the air filter housing by first removing the 50mm air hose using a flat head screw driver.
4. Then remove the screw holding the air filter housing in place and detach the 3mm hose.

5. Lift the air filter housing out in order to access the carburetor.
6. Use a flat head screwdriver to unhook the fuel line and tuck it in an upward position to avoid fuel leakage.

7. Detach the wire from the choke element.
8. Detach the wire from the cutoff solenoid and the vacuum hose from the carburetor.
9. Remove the throttle cable with a 8mm wrench or socket.

10. Remove the barrel nut that goes on the end of the throttle ensuring not to drop it.
11. Remove the distributor cap for added workspace.(optional)
12. Remove the rear retaining nut holding the carburetor to the manifold with a 13 mm open ended wrench. Be careful to not drop the nut and washer into the engine.

13. Remove the front stud.
14. Lift the carburetor up and out.
15. Remove the old gasket and inspect the condition of the inlet manifold being careful not to drop any debris inside. This is also a good time to check the inlet manifold boots.
16. Apply a small amount of Locktight to the carburetor fixing studs and screw the studs into the carburetor. Use 13 mm head nuts to tighten the studs to avoid damaging the thread.
17. Slip the new gasket over the carburetor studs. Hold the gasket in place as you put the new carburetor onto the manifold.

18. Loosely finger tighten the front nut to hold the carburetor into place then completely tighten the rear nut and washer.

19. Tighten each nut equally to 14 foot-pounds torque. (2.0mkg)
20. Reconnect the throttle cable using a barrel nut.

21. Remove the protective covering on the end of the solenoid then reattach the wire coil.

22. Reattach the 3mm hose.
23. Reattach fuel line and tighten the clamp with a flathead screwdriver.
24. Replace the distributor cap. Make sure the spark plug wires are secure.
25. Take the clear plastic cover off of the carburetor to ensure nothing falls inside.
26. Put the clamp on the air filter housing.
27. Place the housing back on top of the carburetor and tighten the clamp.
28. Reattach the air filter hose and tighten the clamp.

29. Reattach the vacuum hose from inlet manifold to air filter housing.
30. Reconnect the battery.
31. Pump the gas pedal eight to ten times until the engine turns and hold the pedal to the floor to bring fuel to the carburetor.