New to balancing carbs. Need advice. If using a vacuum gauge, the hose from the gauge attaches to the base of the carb, where that hose runs up to the choke pull off? Also, do I need to remove the air cleaner and cross tube? Thanks for any help.

The port to the choke pull-off is constant vacuum, so you are correct... the gauge goes there. I use one gauge with a T fitting for hoses to each carb. Pinch one side off to get individual carb readings. It is also a good idea to detach the vacuum balance tube running from one carb base to the other. Simple port caps work here.

If it's Powerglide equiped.... I have found that it will idol, in "Drive" a lot smoother if you securely chock the wheels, set the brake and balance the carburetors with the shifter in Drive position. The carbs will run a little differant under a load. Or more correctly... the engine runs differant under load, depending on many other non carburetor factors!
Then there is "off idol" carb balance. Two vacuum gauges are best or use T fitting like I do. Run the engine speed up to 1800 rpm. "NOT IN DRIVE THIS TIME"! Check if vacuum is same or dern close. This can be changed by unscrewing or screwing in the linkage on the left carburetor.
Balancing the carbs at idol does nothing for "off idol" or cruising speeds.


Corventure Dave

Thanks Dave.When you mention screwing or unscrewing in the linkage on the left carb, you mean the linkage rod, not the idle screw?

Yes... the rod for off idol adjustment.