Common Symptoms of a Failing Carburetor

Common Symptoms of a Failing Carburetor

Before the introduction of computer-controlled engine management systems in the late 70s, air and fuel were mechanically delivered to the engine through a component commonly known as the carburetor. Carburetors are in fact mechanical devices that blend air and fuel into a proper mixture that can be ingested by the engine for internal combustion. Modern vehicles no longer have carburetors, however, they are still found on older road cars and trucks, as well as classic vehicles. The carburetor is one of the most important components on any vehicle equipped with one since it’s directly responsible for providing the fuel and air needed for the engine to run, so experiencing any problems with it can greatly affect the vehicle’s drivability and performance. Usually, a failing carburetor will exhibit several symptoms that will indicate that something is off with its functionality.

Decreased Engine Performance

One of the first symptoms usually associated with a failing carburetor is a decreased engine performance. The carburetor is the main component responsible for metering and delivering the mixture of fuel and air, needed for the engine to operate. Therefore, if there’s some type of issue, it could throw off the mixture of air and fuel and affect the performance of the engine. A failing carburetor could lead to an engine with sluggish accelerations and a significant decrease in power and fuel efficiency.

Black Smoke Coming From the Exhaust

Another common symptom associated with a bad carburetor is black smoke coming from the exhaust. This symptom indicates that the engine is using too much fuel. Having black some coming from the exhaust means that the engine is not only burning unnecessary fuel but also producing excessive emissions.

Overheating or Backfiring

Engine overheating or backfiring are other typical symptoms that indicate a potential problem with the carburetor. The reason behind the overheating or backfiring of the engine, could be a lean mixture, meaning that the carburetor is experiencing an issue and because of that, it delivers a mixture to the engine that has less fuel. Also, lean mixtures are bad for engine performance and could lead to serious damage to the engine.

Difficult Start

Difficult start is yet another symptom that indicates a failing carburetor. The fuel/air ratio that is blended and metered by the carburetor is very important and sensitive during cold starts. If there’s an issue with the carburetor, this ratio may potentially lead to difficulties when starting. Depending on the issue’s nature, the vehicle may find it difficult to start, and get better as the engine warms up, or it may still be difficult to start even with a warmed-up engine.

If your vehicle is displaying any of the symptoms above or you suspect that your carburetor may be having a problem, have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to determine if your car needs a carburetor service or replacement.