How to Set the 34Pict/3 Carburetor on an Aircooled Volkswagen (Vw) Beetle

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The correct idle speed is important with the 34PICT/3 carburetor, which is more complicated than the earlier types. It has three separate fuel circuits in it.

Steps

1. 1
   Ensure the engine is warm and the choke butterfly standing upright. Ensure the air cleaner is ON when adjusting the carburetor.

   
   
2. 2
   

   34PICT3 Left Side
   Locate the throttle arm on the left side of the carburetor. It is controlled by the accelerator cable that runs to the accelerator pedal in the cabin.
   • On the top of the throttle arm, facing to the rear of the car, is a screw called the Fast Idle Adjuster.
     • This works with the choke to give a smooth idle on a cold engine.
     • As the choke warms in concert with the warming engine, the butterfly valve in the throat of the carburetor opens and the Fast Idle Adjuster moves down the stepped cam, reducing the engine idle speed.
   • Make sure that the choke is fully open and the Fast Idle Adjuster screw is resting on the very bottom of the stepped cam.
     • Unscrew the Fast Idle Adjuster screw until it is clear of the stepped cam.
     • Screw it in until it just touches the very bottom of the stepped cam -- NOT on any of the steps themselves.
     • Now screw it in another 1/4 turn. This sets the throttle butterfly open the required 0.004 inch.
3. 3
   

   34PICT3 Left Side
   Locate the Volume Control Screw and the Bypass Screw on the left side of the carburetor. Turn the Bypass Screw (the larger one) out a couple of turns, to get things started.
   • The Volume Control Screw is the smaller of the two adjusting screws.
     • Screw it in GENTLY until it bottoms.
     • Now unscrew it exactly 2-1/2 turns. This is the starting setting.
     • Start the engine and use the Bypass Screw to set the idle at 850 rpm.
4. 4
   Go back to the Volume Screw and adjust it (usually out -- counter-clockwise) slowly to obtain the fastest idle .
   • It should not be much outside the range of 2-3 turns 1/2 turn in/out from the basic 2-1/2 turn out setting.
   • Turn the screw back IN very slowly until the revs drop by about 25-30 rpm.
5. 5
   Use the Bypass screw again to reset the idle speed to 850 - 900rpm.
   • If you find it difficult or impossible to make these settings, it is possible that you could have stripped threads on any of these adjusters, a damaged hole for the tapered screw, or a damaged needle valve or O-ring.
   • 

     34PICT3 Left Side
     If you find it difficult or impossible to make these settings, it is also possible that you have a vacuum leak (i.e., leaking of air into the intake manifold).

   
   

Warnings

• Safety should always be your #1 focus when working on a vehicle.
• ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in this world is so important, that you should EVER practice unsafe maintenance on your vehicles.
• Always use the proper tools for the job at hand.
• Common sense is a VERY IMPORTANT.

Things You'll Need

• Tachometer
• Screwdrivers

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