Carburetor Cover -- Purpose??

[turtle1173]

Hi,<br /><br /> I hope this isn't too dumb of a question. I just bought an 85HP 1972 Chrysler. It is a 3 cyl., 3 carb engine. Anyway, there is this big cover on the front of the carbs. I am wondering what the purpose is of this? I have a 1 carb 55HP and it doesn't have anything on the carb. Is the purpose just to keep debris out of the carb or is there a bigger picture?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Shane

 

[Moving Target]

Re: Carburetor Cover -- Purpose??

I think it is mainly for sound, less induction noise, so the engine is quite. Other than that, I think it's no functioning.<br /><br />Maybe thats why OB's cost so much

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Carburetor Cover -- Purpose??

I'd agree they are probably for sound absorption, but someone with some experience on this board said not to run the engine long without one because it will pull more air and will run lean, with associated lean/damage to engine.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Carburetor Cover -- Purpose??

Depending on the motor and how well it was designed, the intake covers can actually add a measure of tuning to the motor. I'm not sure of the theory behind it, but racers will sometimes place a plate in front of the carb opening so that the standing wave will impact the plate (cover) and bounce back into the carb, carrying with it whatever fuel/air is going into the carb. It ain't much, but a racer friend of mine did some dyno tests on a 1988 Evinrude 15hp that he built up and the carb cover was good for 30-40 more rpm. Not noticeable to most folks, but when you're twisting them at 7000 revs and looking for an edge, it can be the difference between 54mph and 53.5... <br />- Scott<br />

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Carburetor Cover -- Purpose??

Thanks guys,<br /><br /> I never would have guessed that it would reduce sound and perhaps even boost power. Very informative. What a great forum!<br /><br />Shane