Carb Float, for EPC & ICT 34mm Carbs

OVERVIEW

Precision fuel management is the backbone of any well-tuned air-cooled engine, and the EMPI Carburetor Float for EPC and ICT 34mm carburetors is an essential component for maintaining that delicate balance. Whether you are running a classic Beetle, a rugged Dune Buggy, or a versatile Type 2 Bus, your carburetor relies on the float to act as the "brain" of the fuel bowl. Over time, original or inferior floats can become saturated, develop pinhole leaks, or suffer from material degradation due to modern ethanol-blended fuels. When a float loses its buoyancy, it fails to lift the needle valve into the seat, leading to an overfilled fuel bowl. This inevitably causes "flooding," which results in hard starting, erratic idling, poor fuel economy, and the dangerous possibility of raw fuel leaking onto a hot engine. Replacing your worn-out float with this high-quality EMPI unit ensures that your needle and seat close exactly when they should, maintaining the correct fuel level for optimal atomization.

Engineered specifically for the popular 34mm ICT and EPC series carburetors, this replacement float is constructed from advanced, fuel-resistant composite plastic designed to withstand the harsh chemicals found in today''s pump gas. Unlike older brass floats that could develop leaks at the soldered seams, or low-grade foam floats that eventually soak up fuel like a sponge, this solid-body design offers long-term reliability and consistent buoyancy. It is a direct-fit replacement that restores the factory-spec fuel height within the carburetor body, which is critical for preventing "flat spots" during acceleration and ensuring your engine receives the correct air-fuel mixture across the entire RPM range. When you are rebuilding your dual-carb setup or troubleshooting a rich-running condition, installing a fresh EMPI float is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure your Volkswagen''s induction system is performing at its absolute peak.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years equipped with EMPI EPC 34 or Weber ICT 34mm dual carburetor kits.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years utilizing 34mm ICT/EPC series carburetors.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950-1979 models upgraded to 34mm dual carb setups.
• Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback, Fastback, & Notchback: All years with ICT/EPC carb conversions.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Models running 34mm ICT or EPC carburetors.
• Custom Air-Cooled Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using the 34mm ICT/EPC platform.

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Manufacturer Part Number: 43-6820-0
• Compatible Carburetor Models: EMPI EPC 34mm, Weber ICT 34mm
• Material: High-density, fuel-resistant composite plastic
• Configuration: Single-piece float design
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Sold Each)
• GTIN: 707924288872
• Weight: Approximately 0.03 lbs

PRO TIPS

The Shake Test and Buoyancy Check

Whenever you have your carburetor open for maintenance, always perform a "shake test" on the float. Hold the float close to your ear and give it a gentle shake; if you hear even a tiny amount of liquid sloshing inside, the float is compromised and must be replaced immediately. A "heavy" float will sit lower in the fuel, tricking the needle valve into staying open longer than intended, which causes the engine to run rich and eventually flood. This EMPI composite float is designed to resist fuel absorption, but it is always good practice to inspect the pivot pin area for any debris or burrs that might cause the float to hang up or bind during operation.

Precision Float Height Adjustment

Simply dropping a new float into the bowl isn''t enough for a professional-grade tune. You must verify the float height to ensure the fuel level matches the manufacturer''s specifications. For most 34mm ICT and EPC carburetors, the float height is measured from the gasket surface of the carb top (with the gasket removed) to the top of the float while the needle valve is closed but not compressed. If the fuel level is too high, you''ll experience "percolation" and flooding; if it is too low, you''ll lean out during high-speed cruising. Small, careful adjustments to the metal tang on the float arm will allow you to dial in the perfect fuel level for your specific engine displacement.

Synchronizing Your Needle and Seat

When replacing a float, it is the perfect time to inspect your needle and seat assembly. A new float cannot do its job if the needle valve is grooved or if there is a tiny speck of rust caught in the seat. We highly recommend cleaning the entire fuel bowl area with specialized carburetor cleaner and installing a new needle valve alongside this EMPI float. This ensures a 100% airtight seal when the float rises, preventing fuel from "creeping" past the valve while the engine is off. Always ensure your fuel pressure is regulated to between 2.5 and 3.0 PSI, as excessive pressure can overcome even a brand-new float and needle assembly, leading to tuning headaches.