Ok so I bought a carburetor rebuild kit this is my first time doing it and Im having a few problems. First my needle seat screen(in picture labeled 1) was damaged during the process and not only was there no replacement in the kit but ive had an impossible time trying to replace it theres no local auto stores that can order it and it was bent and doesnt fit in the seat very well. Im wondering how important the screen is and also how crucial is it that it sits a certain way. Second the part in the picture labeled 2 ive read its very important not to let it bottom out when adjusting the float...but it did im wondering if this too needs to be replaced and also if i can get it without buying a new carb rebuild kit. The biggest problem im having though is that its a motorcraft carter carb 7051SA and I took it out of my 1980 F150 and in my rebuild kit which i have double checked and it is the right one I got a spec sheet to set the idles and it only has settings for carbs up to 78 now i know mine is obviously close seeing as how my carb must have been swapped some point in the last 30 years but what do i set it to? how do i find out what year my carb is and what engine its made for or what to set my dry float level, fast idle, fast idle linkage, choke valve pulldown, unloader, auto choke setting, slow idle rpm, dashpot, and fast idle rpm. im having alot of trouble with this so any help seriously helps thanks

 

Throw the screen away, Make sure to put a good filter between the pump and the carb. The # 2 piece will bottom out each time the float closes. If the rubber tip is still good use it. If your motor is the same size as the 78 use those specs. After running you can fine tune. Specs are just suggestions anyway. It depends on where you live etc. as to how to set carb.

 

what do you mean a good filter? do you mean in place of the screen?

 

As moose said, the screen can be eliminated. It's easily damaged and is not available for replacement. There's no point in having it considering that a replaceable fuel filter is placed at the carburetor fuel inlet.

When closing the needle valve, it's supposed to bottom out in the seat; this is what shuts off fuel flow. A carburetor regulates the fuel level the same way a toilet keeps water in the tank; instead of a flapper you have the needle and seat. What is important, though, is not to press the needle down so hard when you set the float that you actually squish the tip of the needle - this will give you a false float height reading. Just gently push down so as to seat the needle - this simulates how the float would shut off the needle valve once the bowl is full.

 

alright cool thank both of you for your help
one last question tho i did put it together and took it apart again and is it ok to reuse the gaskets? they werent on long and also theres been no liquid in there at all

 

Yes, it's fine (I'm assuming you're talking about the new gaskets in the carburetor rebuild kit).

 

yes i am and thank you very much for your help