Carburetor Rebuild Kit, 32/36 Progressive EPC & DGV

OVERVIEW

If your air-cooled engine is stumbling off the line or struggling to maintain a smooth idle, it''s likely time to refresh your fuel system with the EMPI Carburetor Rebuild Kit for 32/36 Progressive EPC and DGV series carburetors. These progressive carburetors are legendary in the VW community for providing a perfect balance between fuel economy on the primary barrel and a power surge when the secondary kicks in. Over time, modern ethanol-blended fuels can degrade internal rubber components and clog delicate orifices, leading to the dreaded "flat spot" or poor throttle response. This high-quality tune-up kit provides everything you need to strip down your carb, clean out the varnish, and replace the wear items that prevent your engine from reaching its full potential. By replacing the needle, seat, and critical gaskets, you eliminate the common causes of flooding and vacuum leaks that plague older, neglected units.

Designed specifically for the Weber 32/36 DGV, DGAV, DGEV, and the EMPI EPC 32/36 equivalents, this kit is an essential part of any VW enthusiast''s maintenance arsenal. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that precision is key when it comes to carburetion, which is why we offer this EMPI-sourced kit featuring premium gaskets and a high-performance accelerator pump diaphragm. Whether you are running a 1600cc dual-port in a weekend cruiser or a larger displacement engine in a daily driver, keeping your progressive carb in top shape ensures consistent fuel delivery and optimal air-fuel ratios. This kit is categorized as a "tune-up" or partial rebuild kit, making it the perfect solution for annual maintenance or resolving specific performance hiccups without the need for a total overhaul. Don''t let a leaky gasket or a worn needle and seat ruin your driving experience; restore your carburetor''s factory-spec performance with a kit built for the rigors of the road.

FITMENT

This rebuild kit is designed for vehicles equipped with 32/36 Progressive Carburetors, typically found on the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1954-1977 (with 32/36 progressive conversion)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (with 32/36 progressive conversion)
• Volkswagen Bus/Transporter (Type 2): 1955-1971 (with 32/36 progressive conversion)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962-1973 (with 32/36 progressive conversion)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974 (with 32/36 progressive conversion)
• Compatible Carburetor Models: Weber 32/36 DGV, DGAV, DGEV and EMPI EPC 32/36

SPECS

This comprehensive tune-up kit includes precision-engineered components to ensure a leak-free seal and accurate fuel metering:

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9947-0 (Alternate P/N: 2361)
• Needle and Seat: Included (Precision brass and steel construction)
• Accelerator Pump Diaphragm: High-grade nitrile rubber for ethanol resistance
• Main Body Gaskets: Die-cut heavy-duty gasket material for a perfect seal
• O-Rings: Multiple sizes for mixture screws and internal passages
• Hardware: Includes necessary fiber and copper washers
• Compatibility: Fits both manual and electric choke progressive versions
• Weight: 0.2 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Float Level Adjustment

The most common mistake when rebuilding a 32/36 progressive carburetor is neglecting the float height. For a standard DGV-style carb, you must measure the distance between the gasket surface of the air horn and the bottom of the float while the needle is closed but not compressed. If the float is too high, your engine will flood and run rich; if it is too low, you will experience fuel starvation during hard acceleration or cornering. Always refer to the specific factory settings for your Weber or EMPI model, as even a 1mm deviation can significantly impact your air-cooled engine''s drivability and fuel economy.

2. Thoroughly Clear the Idle Circuit

Progressive carburetors are notorious for having very small idle jets that clog easily with microscopic debris. During your rebuild, don''t just replace the gaskets; use a high-quality aerosol carburetor cleaner followed by compressed air to blow out every single passage. Pay special attention to the transition holes near the throttle plates. If these are partially blocked, you will experience a massive "flat spot" when the carburetor moves from the idle circuit to the main circuit. If the "stumble" persists after the rebuild, your idle jet size may need to be increased to compensate for modern ethanol-heavy fuels.

3. Check for Manifold Vacuum Leaks

While this kit fixes internal carburetor issues, the 32/36 progressive setup is highly sensitive to external vacuum leaks, particularly at the base gasket and the manifold boots. When installing your rebuilt carb, ensure the mounting flange is perfectly flat. Use a small amount of high-quality thread locker on the mounting studs to prevent vibration from loosening the nuts. Furthermore, since the progressive manifold is quite long, ensure your intake manifold boots are soft and the clamps are tight. An air leak at the manifold will make it impossible to tune the idle correctly, regardless of how well the carburetor itself is rebuilt.