Carburetor Question
 

I opened up our Rochester Q-Jet to re-jet and I noticed in the center of the air horn gasket there is a piece of what looks like electrical tape/plastic material with the holes cut away so the rear metering rods and the hole for the threaded rod for the air cleaner to clear.

I have two different carburetors one done by Dean Oliver and one was done by Hedworth and they both had this piece of tape or plastic in the center. Does anyone know what it is there for?

Re: Carburetor Question
 

Should be there to control fuel slosh on the leave.

Re: Carburetor Question
 

If have to fix another gasket get 3M super 33 electrical tape works well,another tip is check needle&seat while top is off hold pivot of float down w/finger and turn on fuel pump until float bowl is full and closes needle&seat and watch for about 1-2 minutes w'pump still running fuel level should stay the same,I have needle &seat leak every now and then and found this was my best way to check,they will leak but won't run over and out vent like holley,my car will only idle about 100-150 rpm slower and then bogs about 20-30 foot off starting line. when needle&seat are slightly leaking.
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: Carburetor Question
 

Also, depending on how tight the rods fit in the tape, a shot of your favorite penetrating oil every so often will keep the rods from possibly hanging open.