Mikuni VM Carburetor

Hassan Bakar
ME175a
June 30, 2014
Contents
1 Introduction 2
2 Discussion 2
2.1 Rubber Cap, Throttle Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Cable Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Locknut, Cable Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.4 Top, Mixing Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.5 Spring, Piston Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.6 Plate, Needle Retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.7 E Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.8 Jet Needle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.9 Piston Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.10 Needle Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.11 Rubber Cap, Starting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.12 Cap, Starter Plunger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.13 Lever Assembly, Starting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.14 Leaf Spring, Lever Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.15 Spring, Starting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.16 Plunger, Starting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.17 Body, Mixing Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.18 Screw, Idle Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.19 Spring, Idle Adjusting Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.20 Air Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.21 Spring, Air Adjusting Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.22 Tube, Air Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.23 Air Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.24 Gasket, Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.25 Pin, Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.26 Float Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.27 Pilot Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.28 Washer, Needle and Seat Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.29 Bae Plate, Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.30 Cup, Fuel Retaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.31 Main Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.32 Needle and Seat Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.33 Floats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.34 Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.35 Plate, Vent Tube Retaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.36 Screw, Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.37 Washer, Float Arm Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.38 Plug, Float Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Conclusion 8
1
4 References 9
5 Figures 9
1 Introduction
In internal combustion engines, a Carburetor is a metering device that combines fuel and
air to a desired ratio. In this paper we will be examining the Mikuni VM Carburetor. The
preferred mixture ratio is 1 gram of fuel to 15 grams of air
[1]
. This particular Carburetor is a
single barrel Carburetor meaning there is one mixing chamber. The Mikuni VM Carburetor
is made out of a metal alloy, commonly used is a zinc alloy. The nish and texture are
smooth but with some minor sharp edges from the casting process. Overall dimensions vary
slightly from 72mm 121mm 94mm
[1]
. All dimensions for the paper are estimated from
Figure 3. The Carburetor is made out of the following parts listed from top to bottom:
Throttle Cable Rubber Cap, Cable Adjuster, Cable Adjuster Locknut, Mixing Chamber
Top, Needle Retainer Plate, E Ring, Jet Needle, Piston Valve, Needle Jet, Starting System
Rubber Cap, Starter Plunger Cap, Starting System Lever Assembly, Lever Positioning Leaf
Spring, Starting System Spring and Plunger, Mixing Chamber Body, Idle Adjuster Screw
and Spring, Air Screw, Air Adjusting Screw Spring, Mixing Chamber Tube, Air jet, Float
Chamber Gasket and Pin, Float arm, Pilot Jet, Washer for Needle and Seat Assembly, Float
Chamber Bae Plate, Fuel Retaining Cup, Main Jet, Needle and Seat Assembly, Float Arm,
Float, Float Chamber, Vent Tube Retaining Plate, Float Chamber Screw, Float Arm Hinge
Washer, and Float Chamber Plug. This report will focus on the function, martial and shape
of these parts.
2 Discussion
2.1 Rubber Cap, Throttle Cable
The Rubber Cap is shown in Figure 1, part 1. The Rubber Cap is made of a soft polymer,
which is there to keep debris out of the system by tightly engages the throttle cable. The
Rubber Cap is cylinder like, dimensions are approximately 10mm in length, and has a 6mm
diameter at the base, which tappers upwards to approximately 3mm. The Rubber Cap is
snapped onto the Cable Adjuster.
2.2 Cable Adjuster
The Cable Adjuster is shown in Figure 1, part 2. The Cable Adjusters function is to
loosen/tighten the cable. The Cable Adjuster is cylinder like with one side threaded and the
other hexagonal. The Part is approximately 5mm in diameter by 10mm lengthwise. The
Cable Adjuster is kept in place by a Locknut.
2
2.3 Locknut, Cable Adjuster
The Cable Adjuster Locknut is shown in Figure 1, part 3. The function of this Locknut
is to keep the Cable Adjuster in place, by increasing friction. The Locknut is made from
metal and is just larger then the Cable Adjusters threaded outside diameter. The Locknut
is placed between the Mixing Chamber Top and the Cable Adjuster.
2.4 Top, Mixing Chamber
The Mixing Chamber Top is shown in Figure 1, part 4. The function of the Top is to provide
single object which connects the Piston Valve Assemble to the Mixing Chamber Body, part
18. The Top is made of a zinc alloy, and approximately 4cm in diameter. The interior of
the Top is threaded. The Piston Valve Spring is kept in compression against the Top.
2.5 Spring, Piston Valve
The Piston Valve Spring is shown in Figure 1, part 6. The Springs function is to apply
a force to the Piston Plate, which intern holds the Piston Valve downward. The Throttle
Cable has priority over the Spring. For example, if the cable is pulled, the Piston Valve will
Move upwards. When the Piston Valve is in the most upwards position the Spring applies
the greatest force. The Piston Valve Spring applies its force onto the Needle Retainer Plate.
2.6 Plate, Needle Retainer
The Needle Retainer Plate is shown in Figure 1, part 7. This plates function is to not allow
the Jet Needle to move upwards, while still allowing to change Jet Needles for maintenance.
The Plate is made of a metal and is smooth. The Plates outside diameter is just smaller
than the inside diameter of the Piston Valve. The E Ring is placed directly under this
plate around the Jet Needle.
2.7 E Ring
The E Ring is shown in Figure 1, part 8. The function of the this ring is to not allow
unmetered air into the mixing chamber. The E Ring is made of a soft polymer, which is
very smooth. The E Ring is smaller than the groove on the Jet Needle but the Ring is
elastic which allows a tight t.
2.8 Jet Needle
The Jet Needle is shown in Figure 1, part 9. The Jet Needles function is to meter the
amount of fuel entering the system. It changes relative to the displacement of the Throttle
cable. The sharp side of the Jet Needle sits in the Main Jet, when there is no displacement of
the Throttle Cable. This can be shown in Figure 2, in the right section cut. The Jet Needle
is made from a polished hard metal. Is approximately 60mm in length. The Jet Needle is
placed in the Piston Valve to keep it concentric.
3
2.9 Piston Valve
The Piston Valve is shown in Figure 1, part 10. The Function of the Piston Valve is to limit
the air into the system. The Piston valve is controlled by the Throttle cable. At low RPM
little air is needed, therefore the Piston valve is lowered. During high RPM the Piston valve
is raised to allow more air into the mixing body.
2.10 Needle Jet
The Needle Jet is shown in Figure 1, part 11. The Function of the Needle jet is to keep
the Jet Needle concentric, so it reliably comes in contact to the main jet. The Needle Jet
is a cylinder like object approximately 60mm long and 10mm in diameter, which is smooth.
This completes the Throttle Valve subsection, Next is the Starting System Assembly.
2.11 Rubber Cap, Starting System
The Rubber Cap is shown in Figure 1, part 12. The function of the Rubber Cap is to seal
the system. The Rubber Cap is a cylinder like object, approximately 4mm in diameter and
3mm in height. The Rubber Cap is connected to the Starter Plunger Cap.
2.12 Cap, Starter Plunger
The Starter Plunger Cap is shown in Figure 1, part 13. The function is to hold the Lever
Assembly in place. The Cap is a cylinder like object which is threaded at the bottom, has
a hexagon shape in the middle, and a lip on the top. The size is approximately 8mm in
diameter, and has s length of 10mm. The Lever Assembly sits directly below the Cap.
2.13 Lever Assembly, Starting System
The Starting System Lever Assembly is shown in Figure 1, part 14. The Function of the
Lever Assembly is to be manually moved to adjust for cold/hot start conditions. This
is better shown in Figure 2, in the left section cut. As the Lever is manually adjusted
upwards/downwards the Starting System Plunger is lowered/raised to allow less/more air to
enter the Mixing Chamber. The Lever Assembly is stabilized by the Leaf Spring.
2.14 Leaf Spring, Lever Positioning
The Leaf Spring is shown in Figure 1, part 15. A Leaf Spring is a subclass of Springs, which
diers from other springs by its arch bend. The function of the Leaf Spring is to hold the
Lever Assembly in the desired position, This is better shown in Figure 2. The Leaf Spring
is made out of metal alloy, which is elastic. The Starting System has one other Spring.
2.15 Spring, Starting System
The Starting System Spring is Shown in Figure 1, part 16. This Spring is a Coiled Spring,
which can be better shown in Figure 2, left section cut, directly above the Starter Plunger.
4
The function of the Spring is to keep force on the Plunger. The Spring is approximately
15mm in length and 4mm in diameter. The Plunger sits directly under this spring.
2.16 Plunger, Starting System
The Plunger is shown in Figure 1, part 17. The function of the Plunger is allow/block
incoming air. The Plunger can be better shown in Figure 2, left section cut. The Plunger
is a smooth cylinder like object, which is just smaller in diameter then the receiving hole in
the Body, which is approximated to be 6mm.
2.17 Body, Mixing Chamber
The Mixing Chamber Body is shown in Figure 1, part 18. The function of the Body is to take
in air and allow the subsections to do there part. Once Mixed the air and fuel leaves the body.
The Body is made of a zinc alloy. The dimensions are approximately 72mm121mm94mm
[3]
but can change depending on each model. The body has a circular inlet/outlet. Other
subsections are bolted to the body such as the Idling System.
2.18 Screw, Idle Adjusting
The Idle Adjusting Screw is shown in Figure 1, part 32. The function of the Screw is to
change the amount of air entering the system at low RPM, by bypassing the Piston Valve.
Tightening/loosen will lower/raise the RPM to achieve the desired RPM. The Screw is made
of metal and is similar to the bolt with a needle like end. The Screw is approximately 8mm
in diameter and 30mm in length and is kept in place by the Idle Adjusting Screw Spring.
2.19 Spring, Idle Adjusting Screw
The Idle Adjusting Screw Spring is shown in gure 1, part 31. The function of the Spring is
to add friction to the Idle Adjusting Screw. The Spring is made from a elastic metal, which
is coiled. The approximate diameter of the Spring is 9mm and has a length of 15mm. Other
systems bolted to the Body include the Air Adjusting System.
2.20 Air Screw
The Air Screw is shown in Figure 1, part 29. The Air Screws function is to adjust at ratio
of fuel to air by loosening/tightening. As the Air Screw is adjusted the volumetric ow rate
of fuel into the pilot jet is changed. The Air Screw is made from metal and is similar a
standard bolt in shape, with a needle tip end. The Air Screw is held in place with a Spring.
2.21 Spring, Air Adjusting Screw
The Air Adjusting Screw Spring is shown in Figure 1, part 30. The Screws function exactly
the same as the Idle Adjusting Screw Spring. The Shape is the same as the Idle Spring but
the dimensions change to better t the air screw.
5
2.22 Tube, Air Vent
The Air Vent Tube is shown in gure 1, part 5. The Function of the Air Vent Tube is to
direct pressured air which maybe created as the Piston Valve is rapidly moved. The Tube is
approximately 10mm in diameter, the length varies by application. Common materials used
are polymer, brass.
2.23 Air Jet
The Air Jet is shown in Figure 1, part 28. The function of the Air Jet is to allow metered air
to enter the Mixing Chamber, during low RPM while the Piston Valve is fully downward.
The Jet is better shown in Figure 4. The Jet is an cylindrical object with which is threaded
on one side, with little holes drilled to allow a metered ow. An example of a Jet is shown
in Figure 5. The Float Chamber Gasket sits directly underneath the Air Jet.
2.24 Gasket, Float Chamber
The Float Chamber Gasket is shown in Figure 1, part 19. The Gaskets function is to keep
the fuel in the Float Chamber sealed. The Gasket can vary in material from manufacture:
cork, copper, and rubber can be used. On the inlet side of the carburetor just below the
Gasket is the Float Chamber Pin.
2.25 Pin, Float Chamber
The Float Chamber Pin is shown in Figure 1, part 22. The Pins function is to hold the
Float Arm in place. The Pin is held in place by compression. The Pin must be smooth to
allow the Float arm to move freely.
2.26 Float Arm
The Float Arm is shown in Figure 1, part 23. The Arms function is to move relative to the
position of the Float. As the position of the Arm increases/decreases the Carburetor adjusts
for this by reducing/adding fuel in the Mixing Chamber. Between the tips of the Float Arm
is there the Pilot Jet is located.
2.27 Pilot Jet
The Pilot Jet is shown in Figure 1, part 21. The Jets function is to allow fuel to enter the
Mixing Chamber while the Piston Valve is down. The Size of the Pilot Jet is approximately
3mm in diameter and 10mm in length. The Pilot Jet is extremely smooth.
2.28 Washer, Needle and Seat Assembly
The Needle and Seat Assembly Washers are shown in Figure 1, part 33. The two Washers
functions are to seal the Needle and Seat Assembly to so that all fuel is metered. The
Washers are made from copper washers. The inside diameter is just large enough to allow
6
the Needle and Seat Assembly to t inside. The Float Chamber Bae Plate is in between
both washers.
2.29 Bae Plate, Float Chamber
The Float Chamber Bae Plate is shown in Figure 1, part 20. The Plates function is to a
reduce the amount of sloshing. The Plate is made of metal, it is approximately 20mm
2
with
cut outs for the Fuel Retaining Cup and Needle and Seat Assembly.
2.30 Cup, Fuel Retaining
The Fuel Retaining Cup is shown in Figure 1, part 35. The Cups function is to store fuel
before it goes into the Main Jet. The Cup is a cylinder shaped object with a groove on the
top surface for fuel storage. The diameter of the Cup is approximately 30mm. The Cup is
smooth for accurate and stead ow into the Main Jet.
2.31 Main Jet
The Main Jet is shown in Figure 1, part 36. The function of the Main Jet is to deliver fuel
into the system while not at idle. The Main Jet is a cylinder like object with being threaded
on one end, with little holes drilled in the sides and one at the top. An example of a Jet is
shown in Figure 5. The Main Jet, just like all other jets are made of Brass.
2.32 Needle and Seat Assembly
The Needle and Seat Assembly is shown in Figure 1, Part 34. The function of the Needle
and Seat Assembly is to allow/stop fuel from entering the Float Chamber. The Needle is
operated by the Float Arm. The Needle and seat are metal, and are comprised of a few
parts. The Seat is threaded on the outer diameter. The Needle is controlled by the Float.
2.33 Floats
The Floats are shown in Figure 1, part 24. The Floats function to determine if more fuel
is needed in the Float Chamber. The Floats engage the Float Arm, by riding upwards on
a pole, which engage the Needle and Seat Assembly, to determine if more fuel is needed.
Floats are made of a material which is less dense than Fuel, commonly used is polymer. The
Floats are in a pool of fuel, this is called the Float Chamber.
2.34 Float Chamber
The Float Chamber is shown in gure 1, part 25. The Chambers function is to contain a
pool of fuel. The Chamber is made from the same material as the Mixing Chamber Body,
Zinc alloy. The Chamber has the rough shape as a hollowed cube, with two poles extending
upwards for the Floats. The approximate size is 4cm 5cm 5cm. The Vent Tube Retaining
Plate is bolted to the Float Chamber.
7
2.35 Plate, Vent Tube Retaining
The Vent Tube Retaining Plate is shown in Figure 1, part 37. The Plates function is to
stabilize the Vent Tube. The Plate is oval with two circle holes, one to allow a Float Chamber
Screw while the other holds the Tube. The Plate is held in position by a Float Chamber
Screw.
2.36 Screw, Float Chamber
The Float Chamber Screws are shown in Figure 1, part 38. The Screws function is to hold
the Float Chamber to the Mixing Chamber Body, tightly. The Screws are about 6mm in
diameter, 15mm in length. Material commonly used for screws steel alloy.
2.37 Washer, Float Arm Plug
The Float Arm Plug Washer is shown in Figure 1, part 26. The Washers function is to
seal any loose gaps between the Float Chamber Plug and Float Chamber. The Washer is a
thin circular disk that is hollow on the inside. The Washers diameter is just over the size of
the Plug, thickness is about 1mm. The Washer is crushed into place by the Float Chamber
Plug.
2.38 Plug, Float Chamber
The Float Chamber Plug is shown in Figure 1, part 27. The Plugs function is to allow the
Float Chamber to be drained, with out removal of the Float Chamber. The Plug is threaded
on one side, with a hexagonal shape on the other.
3 Conclusion
The Mikuni VM Carburetor is a metering device, which combines fuel and air. This is made
possible from a combination of subsections and parts, working together. This particular
carburetor was comprised of: Throttle Cable Rubber Cap, Cable Adjuster, Cable Adjuster
Locknut, Mixing Chamber Top, Needle Retainer Plate, E Ring, Jet Needle, Piston Valve,
Needle Jet, Starting System Rubber Cap, Starter Plunger Cap, Starting System Lever As-
sembly, Lever Positioning Leaf Spring, Starting System Spring and Plunger, Mixing Cham-
ber Body, Idle Adjuster Screw and Spring, Air Screw, Air Adjusting Screw Spring, Mixing
Chamber Tube, Air jet, Float Chamber Gasket and Pin, Float arm, Pilot Jet, Washer for
Needle, Seat Assembly Float Chamber Bae Plate, Fuel Retaining Cup, Main Jet, Needle
and Seat Assembly, Float Arm, Float, Float Chamber, Vent Tube Retaining Plate, Float
Chamber Screw, Float Arm Hinge Washer, and Float Chamber Plug. Together these parts
create a major mechanical mechanism in that furthered evolution of the internal combustion
engine.
8
4 References
[1] Mikuni VM Carburetor super tuning manual
5 Figures
Figure 1: Carburetor exploded view
9
Figure 2: Carburetor Section Cuts
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Figure 3: Carburetor Dimensions
11
Figure 4: Air Jet
Figure 5: Typical Jet, 74 Volkswagen Idle Jet
12