31 Pict-1 Carburetor, with Adapter, with Electric Choke

OVERVIEW

Restore the smooth, reliable idle and crisp throttle response your air-cooled engine deserves with our premium 31-PICT-3 Style Carburetor. Designed as a high-quality replacement for aging, worn-out Solex units, this carburetor is the perfect solution for Volkswagen enthusiasts looking to eliminate the flat spots, hesitation, and leaking issues common with decades-old original equipment. This specific model features a 12V electric choke, ensuring that your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Bus fires up reliably on those chilly mornings without the fuss of a manual cable or an unreliable thermal element. By utilizing a modern manufacturing process, this carburetor provides a tighter seal and more precise fuel metering than a rebuilt unit, giving your classic VW a fresh lease on life and much-improved drivability in modern traffic conditions.

What sets this kit apart is the inclusion of the specialized mounting adapter, making it an incredibly versatile upgrade for a wide range of single-port intake manifolds. Whether you are running a 1300cc, 1500cc, or even a 1600cc single-port engine, the included adapter allows the 31mm base to seat perfectly on manifolds originally designed for smaller 28-PICT or 30-PICT carburetors. While this is a bolt-on component, it is important to remember that every air-cooled engine has its own unique personality based on displacement, cam profile, and altitude. Therefore, while this unit will get your engine running right out of the box, we recommend a fine-tuning of the idle circuit and choke settings to achieve the perfect balance of fuel economy and performance. Don''t let a clogged or warped old carburetor keep your vintage VW in the garage; upgrade to a component that delivers the consistency you need for your next road trip or Sunday cruise.

FITMENT

This carburetor is designed for Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled engines, specifically those utilizing a single-port intake manifold. The included adapter expands fitment to earlier models.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961-1970 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Single Port)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961-1970 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Single Port)
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1961-1970 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Single Port)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974 (If converted to Single Port or used with specific adapters)
• Custom Applications: Any VW-based industrial or sand rail engine utilizing a single-port intake configuration.

SPECS

• Carburetor Type: Solex Style 31-PICT-3
• Venturi Size: 31mm
• Choke Type: 12V Electric Choke Element
• Mounting Stud Centerline: 2-1/8 inches
• Fuel Inlet: Standard brass push-on fitting for 5mm or 1/4 inch fuel hose
• Material: High-strength zinc alloy housing with brass internal jetting
• Included Components: Carburetor unit, base gasket, and intake manifold adapter
• Part Number Reference: 113-129-029A / 113-129-027HDP
• Voltage Requirements: 12-Volt system required for choke operation

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Electric Choke Adjustment

When installing your new carburetor, don''t assume the choke is perfectly timed for your specific climate. To adjust it, loosen the three small screws holding the ceramic choke element in place. With the engine stone cold, rotate the element until the internal butterfly valve just barely closes. If you live in a very cold climate, you may want a slightly firmer tension, but avoid over-tightening as it will cause the engine to run rich for too long. Always ensure the wire leading to the choke is connected to a 12V switched power source (usually the positive side of the ignition coil) so that it only heats up when the ignition is on.

2. Eliminate Vacuum Leaks Before Tuning

The most common reason for a "bad" new carburetor is actually an undiagnosed vacuum leak elsewhere in the system. Before you begin adjusting the volume control or bypass screws, check the condition of your intake manifold boots and the gasket surface where the adapter meets the manifold. Even a tiny air leak will make the engine impossible to idle correctly, often leading owners to mistakenly believe the carburetor is defective. Use a small amount of carburetor cleaner sprayed near the base while the engine is idling; if the RPMs change, you have a leak that must be sealed before you can achieve a perfect tune.

3. Account for Modern Ethanol Fuels

Today''s pump gas contains ethanol, which burns differently than the fuel available when these engines were originally engineered. Because ethanol has a leaning effect, you may find that your engine performs better with a slightly larger main jet or by adjusting the idle mixture screw about a quarter-turn richer (outward) than the factory "baseline" setting. Additionally, always install a high-quality fuel filter between the fuel pump and the carburetor. Even the smallest speck of debris from an old gas tank can clog the sensitive idle jets in a 31-PICT-3, causing the engine to stall at stoplights. Clean fuel is the secret to a long-lasting carburetor.