Demistifying one of the greatest inventions of all time - How Carburetors work

How Carburetors work

By

David Sullivan

A carburetor is a device that mixes fuel and air in the proper ratio for internal combustion engines. The carburetor works by using the vacuum created by the engine to draw fuel from the float bowl, through the jet, and into the air stream. This fuel is mixed with air as it enters the engine, providing a combustible mixture for the engine to run on. At their most basic level, carburetors use a simple mechanical system to control the amount of fuel and air that is mixed, which is adjusted based on the needs of the engine. Carburetors are a relatively simple and effective means of providing fuel to an internal combustion engine but have been largely replaced by fuel injection systems in modern vehicles.


Adjusting the fuel flow in a basic carburetor with a simple screw can be done by listening to how the engine runs at idle. To adjust the fuel flow, you will need to locate the carburetor's fuel mixture screw, which is typically located on the side or bottom of the carburetor. Once you have located the screw, you can start the engine and let it idle.

The process of adjusting the fuel flow involves turning the screw clockwise or counterclockwise. If you turn the screw clockwise, you will decrease the amount of fuel flowing into the carburetor, which will cause the engine to run leaner. If you turn the screw counterclockwise, you will increase the amount of fuel flowing into the carburetor, which will cause the engine to run richer.

When adjusting the fuel flow in a basic carburetor with a simple screw, it is important to pay attention to the sound of the engine while making adjustments. A correctly adjusted carburetor will have a smooth and steady idle, meaning the engine should be running at a consistent speed without any stuttering or hesitations.

If the engine is idling too fast, it may indicate that there is too much fuel flowing into the carburetor, causing the engine to run rich. In this case, you will need to turn the fuel mixture screw clockwise to decrease the amount of fuel flowing into the carburetor, which will help to bring the engine back to a steady idle.

On the other hand, if the engine is idling too slow, it may indicate that there is not enough fuel flowing into the carburetor, causing the engine to run lean. In this case, you will need to turn the fuel mixture screw counterclockwise to increase the amount of fuel flowing into the carburetor, which will help to bring the engine back to a steady idle.

Additionally, if the engine is running rough, it could be caused by a mixture that is too lean or too rich, which can be indicated by the engine's sound. A rough-running engine may also be caused by other issues, such as vacuum leaks, worn-out spark plugs or a malfunctioning ignition system.

It's also important to note that adjusting the fuel flow too much in one direction or the other can cause damage to the engine. It's always recommended that you consult the vehicle's service manual or a professional mechanic for the correct settings.

The magic is knowing the symptoms

A lean condition

When the fuel mixture is too lean, it means there is not enough fuel in proportion to the amount of air being drawn into the engine. When the throttle valve is abruptly opened in this condition, it allows a large amount of air to enter the engine quickly. This sudden influx of air can cause the engine to experience a lack of fuel, resulting in a lean misfire.

A lean misfire can cause the engine to stall, lose power or even damage the engine components. The engine may struggle to maintain its RPM and may hesitate when accelerating. The engine may also produce a high-pitched whining sound.

A lean condition can also cause the combustion chamber to heat up excessively, potentially causing pre-ignition, engine knock or detonation, which can cause severe engine damage.

Additionally, a lean mixture can cause the catalytic converter to overheat and fail and can also cause the oxygen sensor to fail prematurely.

It's important to adjust the carburetor to have the correct fuel-air ratio and to be aware of any vacuum leaks that can cause a lean condition.

A rich condition

An over-rich mixture can cause the engine to run poorly, lose power or stall. It can also cause the engine to produce a lot of black smoke from the exhaust, indicating unburned fuel. The engine may also have a rough idle or may stall when the throttle is closed or when coming to a stop.

An over-rich mixture can also cause the spark plugs to foul with fuel, which can cause misfires and reduce the engine's performance. It can also cause the catalytic converter to fail prematurely by clogging it with unburned fuel.

Additionally, an over-rich mixture can lead to an accumulation of carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, the valves and the ports, which can cause the engine to lose efficiency and power over time.

The perfect air-fuel mixture

With a perfect fuel mixture, the engine will respond smoothly and efficiently when the throttle is abruptly opened. The engine will have good acceleration, power, and smooth running without any hesitation, stuttering, or misfires. The engine will also produce minimal emissions and will have a clean exhaust.

Additionally, a perfect fuel mixture can help prolong the life of the engine components, such as spark plugs, oxygen sensors and catalytic converter, by not causing them to overheat or wear out prematurely.

How to adjust any fuel adjustment screw on any carburetor

Always start by turning the screw in all the way gently. Do not tighten the screw. You should just barely feel it hit bottom. Now back it out two turns. The proper range for the screw is from 1 turn out to 3 turns. Below one turn out, and it needs smaller jets installed. More than three turns out, and it needs bigger jets installed. Make sure it is turned out two full turns.

Turning the mixture screw in or out after finding the 2-turn center can affect the engine's RPM. The goal is to find the highest RPM possible while maintaining a smooth idle. Once the highest RPM is achieved by adjusting the mixture screw, the idle screw can be adjusted to the recommended idle speed for the engine. It's important to note that temperatures can affect the air/fuel mixture, and it's recommended to repeat this process when the temperature changes by 10 degrees or more. Often, it will only be necessary to adjust with seasonal temperatures, with a richer mixture needed in cold air and a leaner mixture in warm air. This helps to maintain optimal engine performance and prevent damage to the engine components.

The real trick is staying confident and calm and remembering the symptoms tell you everything. Also, spark plugs can tell you everything as well. White plugs are lean, and dark brown or black plugs are rich. You want a soft tan colour on the porcelain of the plug.

There are many online guides for reading plugs if you want to dive further into it. I recommend buying an old lawn mower or a snowblower-type engine to practice on. Get something you won’t mind messing up and have fun. It’s really easy, but without knowing, it just seems like a mystery.

Dear Reader, Today I celebrate my 50th birthday in style. Special thanks to Matt Doherty for a wonderful Ramen dinner and a trip to dairy queen for Ice-cream. We had a fantastic conversation about memories of food melting in your mouth and closing your eyes to experience the moment. Happy Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Love

 

 

 

 

The Present Moment's Treasure

A Fable of Discovering the Joy of Living

by

David A.A. Sullivan

 

 

 

 

     Once upon a time, there was a young man named Jack, who lived in a far-off land. Jack was a driven and ambitious person, who always strived for success. He had a successful career, a large bank account and many material possessions but something felt off, he always felt unfulfilled, like something was missing. Jack's obsession with success made him blind to the beauty of life, the small things that were happening around him. He was too busy chasing his next big goal, to take a moment and appreciate the present.

     One night Jack had a vivid dream, where a wise old sage appeared to him, he told him that his obsession with success was hindering him from truly enjoying life. The sage told him that it was important to take a step back and appreciate the present moment, as it was the only moment that truly mattered. Jack woke up feeling shaken, he realized that the sage's words were true and that he had been living his life all wrong.

     Determined to change, Jack set out on a journey to find the wise old sage. He left behind his career, material possessions, and comfortable lifestyle. He traveled through treacherous mountains and dense forests, facing many obstacles and challenges along the way. But he did not give up, his desire to find the sage and change his ways kept him going.

     After many long months of travel, Jack finally came across the wise old sage sitting by a babbling brook. Jack approached him and asked him how he could learn to actively enjoy the present moment. The sage looked at Jack with a kind smile and replied, "It is simple. Every day, take a few moments to actively notice the beauty around you, feel the sun on your skin, hear the birds singing, smell the freshly baked bread. Appreciate the small things in life, for they are what make life worth living."

     Jack took the sage's advice to heart and decided to stay with him and learn more about the art of living in the present moment. He spent many months with the sage, learning about mindfulness, meditation and the power of appreciation. Jack finally found what was missing, he found a new perspective on life, he learned to live in the present and find joy in the small things.

     Jack returned home a changed man, his journey had transformed him, and he was now able to live a fulfilling life, filled with happiness and contentment. He realized that true success is not measured by the material possessions one has, but by the ability to actively appreciate and find joy in the present moment.

     The moral of the story; it's important to take a step back and actively appreciate the present moment, for it's the only moment that truly matters. When we learn to live in the present, we are able to find true happiness and fulfillment in life.

 

Well, happy 50th birthday to me. A retrospective look back at the last 50 years with anticipation for the next 50.

Well, happy 50th birthday to me

By

David A.A.Sullivan

As I approach the milestone of my fiftieth birthday, I find myself contemplating the staggering technological and medical advancements that have occurred throughout my lifetime. The proliferation of the internet has fundamentally altered the way in which we interact with one another and access information. We now have instant access to an almost limitless amount of knowledge and can connect with people from all over the world with a simple click of a button. This has transformed how we do business, consume media, and even form relationships.

In addition to the internet, the advent of smartphones has drastically changed the way in which we access and utilize technology. With smartphones, we now have access to powerful computers that fit in the palm of our hands. This has enabled us to stay connected and productive at all times, regardless of our location. Mobile technology has also enabled the development of new industries, such as on-demand services and location-based marketing.

The latest developments in artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces have the potential to revolutionize various industries and fundamentally change the way in which we interact with technology. AI has the potential to greatly improve healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, while brain-computer interfaces could allow for new forms of communication and control of technology. This could allow people with physical disabilities to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts or even enable people to interact with technology using only their brainwaves.

Overall, the last half-century has seen a rapid pace of technological and medical advancements that have transformed the way we live our lives. These advancements have brought with them many benefits and conveniences, but they also pose new challenges and ethical dilemmas that we must learn to navigate as we move forward. With technology advancing at an ever-increasing rate, one can only imagine what the next 50 years will bring.


Artificial intelligence, the little brain that could.
Artificial intelligence has been an incredibly intriguing area of technological development to observe over recent years. From self-driving vehicles and voice-controlled assistants to highly advanced chat-bots and virtual personal assistants, we can now witness machines performing tasks that were once thought to be exclusively within the realm of human capabilities.

The possibilities for using AI are vast and far-reaching. It's already being implemented in a variety of fields, such as medical diagnosis and scientific research. The technology is being developed to help automate repetitive tasks, improve decision making and create more accurate predictions.

The future of AI holds immense promise. The potential for it to shape and transform many industries is truly exciting. We are just beginning to scratch the surface of what can be achieved with AI, and it will be fascinating to see the advancements that will be made in the coming years. With the growing capabilities of AI, we will likely see even more groundbreaking applications that we cannot yet imagine. It is expected that the integration of AI will lead to the creation of new industries, new jobs and a higher standard of living.

AI research is being conducted across many different fields, and its potential applications are far-reaching. From natural language processing and image recognition to autonomous systems and drug development, the opportunities for AI to improve our lives and make the world a better place are nearly limitless.

It's an exciting time to be alive and observe the development of this technology. The future of AI holds great promise, and we will be watching with interest as this technology continues to shape and transform various industries.


Outer space and beyond
Space exploration is an area of technology that has always fascinated me. It is a field that has the potential to reveal so much about our universe and our place within it. The upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, for example, promises to be a major milestone in our understanding of the early universe and the origins of life.

This telescope, which is being developed by NASA in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, will allow us to see further and deeper into the cosmos than ever before.

But the James Webb is just one of the many exciting developments happening in space exploration. Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are also making significant strides in this field, with the launch of reusable rockets, satellite constellations, and even plans for lunar missions.

These advancements have the potential to not only make space exploration more cost-effective but also to open up new opportunities for research, commercial development, and even human settlement.

I am thrilled about the future of space exploration. The discoveries and advancements that we have yet to make have the power to transform our understanding of the world around us completely. I can hardly wait to see what the next few years hold for space exploration and all the innovative companies and agencies taking on these challenges. It is a very promising future and a lot to look forward to.


Brain interfacing is the real way to play games.
The Progress in the discipline of brain-computer interfaces has indeed been remarkable. They have the Possibility to Alter the way we engage with Innovation in a significant way. Companies such as Neuralink, which was founded by Elon Musk, are working on developing Gadgets that would allow individuals to control computers and other devices using only their thoughts.

The implications of this Innovation are vast and far-reaching. It has the capability to drastically Transform the way we interact with technology on a daily basis. I find this area of study particularly intriguing and exciting. I am eagerly looking forward to the Development that will be made in the coming days as more Innovations are made in this sector.

The Promise of this Innovation is limitless. It could revolutionize not just how we interact with technology but also help people with disabilities to lead more independent lives. Therefore, it's important to keep an eye on the Developments and evaluate the ethical implications too.


The finish line is in sight ;)
In conclusion, as I reflect on my life thus far, I cannot help but be awestruck by the incredible advancements humanity has made. From the invention of the wheel to the development of agriculture, to the industrial revolution, and the creation of the internet, it has been a remarkable journey. The impact of these advancements on society is undeniable and has led to an unprecedented level of prosperity and quality of life for many.

As we look towards the next half-century, it's exciting to think about what the future may hold. The advancements happening in the fields of AI, space exploration, and brain-computer interfaces are particularly intriguing. With the rapid development of AI, we are on the cusp of a new era in which machines can perform tasks that were once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. Space exploration, meanwhile, is providing us with a deeper understanding of our place in the universe, and the potential for discovery is immense. Brain-computer interfaces are also a field of great potential, with the potential to revolutionize how we interact with technology and even each other.

I hope that, as a society, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and see where technology takes us. However, it is important to remember that with any advancement comes responsibility. We must ensure that technology is developed and used ethically and responsibly, with the well-being of all in mind. We must also ensure that the benefits of these advancements are shared equitably and that they are used to improve the lives of all people, not just a select few.

Overall, the future appears brighter than ever, with technology providing limitless possibilities for exploration and discovery. As we journey forward, let us remember the importance of responsible development and strive towards building a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Ode to Jo-elle 2023

A rhythmic 4 stanza love poem
My Muse: Jo-elle. Love of my life.

 Our love, a precious bloom
Nurtured through the seasons, a constant groom
For fourteen years, hand in hand
We've traversed life's shifting sand

Through every trial and strife
You've been my anchor, my guiding light
Your love, a beacon bright
Guiding me through the darkest night

Here's to many more years
Filled with love, laughter, and cheers
I am yours, my love, forevermore
You are my one true love, I adore

Our bond, unbreakable, our love sincere
I am grateful from above
For the gift of your tenderness
You are my rock, my love 

Ramen to that pika pika pika

The names and circumstances  have been changed to protect the innocent. Bahahaha

Nick was a big man with a rough exterior. He had short, spiked hair and a thick beard that covered his turtle like jawline. His arms were covered in tattoos, each one representing a different moment in his life. Nick was a man who lived on the edge and took no prisoners.

Nick was a biker at heart, and he loved nothing more than the feeling of the wind rushing through his hair as he rode down the open road. His pride and joy was a classic Victory motorcycle that he called "Stone hammer."

As Nick rode down the open road, he blasted Avril Lavigne on his headphones and daydreamed about watching cabaret performances on Facebook shorts. Despite his tough exterior, Nick had a secret passion for the performing arts, and he dreamed of one day taking the stage under the name "Stone hammer." But just as he was getting lost in his thoughts, his phone rang with an emergency notification. His favorite restaurant was having a sale on ramen, and Nick knew he had to drop everything and go. I mean, it was a ramen emergency. You can't just ignore that kind of thing. Without hesitation, Nick revved up his motorcycle and raced towards the restaurant, his stomach rumbling in anticipation. Nick's stomach rumbled as he pulled up to the restaurant, the aroma of noodles and broth wafting through the air. He quickly placed his order and sat down at a table, eagerly waiting for his food to arrive.

As he slurped down his noodles, Nick couldn't help but smile. This was exactly the kind of simple pleasure that made life worth living. He was grateful for the good friends, the open road, and the simple pleasures that filled his days. And as he rode off into the sunset, he knew that he was living his best life.

 

Because fuck you hahahaha

The joy of restoring classic fiberglass boats and 5 tips to help you.

 

I: Introduction

I started restoring a classic fiberglass boat about a year ago, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m not a master builder, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve come up with a few tips that will help make restoring a fiberglass boat a fun experience.

II: Why do it?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during these past few months is something I didn’t expect: The joy of restoring an older fiberglass boat — and the resulting sense of satisfaction I get from sailing it. Even more than that watching my family and friends enjoy the boat fills me with a sense of pride.

I’ve always loved boats, but I didn’t realize how much until I fixed one and started using it. It’s opened up my world in so many ways. It’s given me a chance to show my family and friends a new perspective on life. When you see the sun rise and set on the water, it changes you.

III: Boat restoration tips

1. Keep it simple at first. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. The best thing to do is to start small. Remove old rotted material, take out a seat or two, change some light bulbs. Whatever you are comfortable with.

2. Try not to reinvent the wheel. Make sure it floats. Make sure it runs/sails. Make sure the basic electrical systems work and then ensure the bilge pump works. After that, the rest is up to you.

3. Play to your strengths. If you have a great eye, be sure to use it. Do what you are good at and hire others for the stuff you aren't. Can you design and 3d print custom parts? Are you better at the mechanical stuff? Find what you like doing and enjoy the work.

4. Use the Internet — The web is filled with forums, blogs, and videos about how others have solved the same problems you will encounter. Use all the resources. Search for inspiration and be ready to change your mind a lot.

5. Make it your own. don't be afraid to be creative and ignore the naysayers

It's your boat and it's your imagination. Pick paint you love, horns and lights you love. Install beds and chairs you love. Fill it with stuff you love. Make it the boat of your dreams. Maybe you dream of a simple camp-like boat or a megayacht-like boat. Bling it out however you like. Also simple cheap LED string lights can go an mighty long way :)

IV: Conclusion

Bringing all these thoughts together, remember restoring an older boat can get you on the water, show you more beauty in the world, help you and your loved ones escape the busy life and it can be a great adventure while costing pennies compared to buying a new boat. 

 

 

May the wind at your back never be your own.

David Sullivan

2022

 

New Site Launch Today

Hello everyone,

David Sullivan here from good old Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. How's it goin' eh?

A couple of weeks ago, I launched my latest site, http://www.thedave.org

Over the next, while I will be pulling my different Blogs, fan pages, photo galleries and other material into this one main site. For now, I am simply linking from the main site to my other blogs such as this one.

Dave from Saint John

http://www.thedave.org

:)