How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Carburetor?

Expect to pay about $600–$1,500 to replace a carburetor on most older cars and trucks, $50–$200 for small lawn-and-garden engines, $200–$800 for many motorcycles/ATVs, and $500–$1,500 for common marine engines. High-performance or classic-car setups with extensive tuning can reach $1,500–$2,500 or more. Final price depends on the part, labor rates, and how much tuning and linkage/choke setup is required.

Why the price varies so widely

The cost of a carburetor replacement depends on several vehicle- and job-specific factors. Understanding these helps you target an accurate estimate and avoid surprises.

• Vehicle type and access: Compact cars and motorcycles can be tight to work on; marine and multi-carb setups take longer.
• Parts quality and availability: New, OE, or performance carbs cost more than remanufactured units; some classic models have limited supply.
• Labor rates and time: Shops commonly charge $90–$180 per hour in the U.S.; time ranges from 0.5 hours (small engines) to 4+ hours (marine or multi-carb).
• Tuning and synchronization: Correct jetting, idle mixture, choke, and (for multi-cylinder bikes) carb sync can add 1–2 hours.
• Emissions/region: California-legal calibrations and additional vacuum/thermal controls add complexity and cost.
• Related parts: Gaskets, spacers, fuel filters, hoses, linkages, and sometimes fuel pumps or ignition components may be needed.

In short, you’re paying for both the hardware and the expertise to set it up correctly for smooth starts, drivability, and emissions compliance.

Typical price ranges by application

Older cars and light trucks (single 2- or 4-barrel)

For classic or carbureted pre-fuel-injection vehicles, costs scale with the carb type and how much tuning is needed after installation.

• Parts: $250–$800 for remanufactured; $350–$1,200 for new name-brand/performance units (e.g., Edelbrock, Holley, Rochester).
• Labor: 2–4 hours for swap and baseline tune (roughly $180–$720 at typical rates).
• Total typical: $600–$1,500; performance builds or extensive tuning: $1,500–$2,500+.

Vehicles with tight engine bays, emissions add-ons, or custom linkages can trend higher due to extra setup time.

Motorcycles and ATVs (single or multi-carb “racks”)

Costs vary with the number of carbs, access under the tank/airbox, and the need to synchronize multiple units.

• Parts: $50–$400 per carb; $300–$800 for multi-carb racks (when replacement is available).
• Labor: 1.5–4 hours including removal and carb sync.
• Total typical: $200–$800; complex sport or vintage models can exceed $1,000.

Cleaning and rebuilding is common on bikes due to varnish and is often cheaper than outright replacement.

Small engines (lawn mowers, generators, snow blowers)

These engines often use inexpensive, easily accessible carbs; replacement is usually quick.

• Parts: $15–$120 depending on brand and engine size.
• Labor: 0.5–1 hour.
• Total typical: $50–$200.

For many small engines, a carb cleaning or rebuild kit can restore performance at even lower cost.

Marine engines (carbureted inboards/outboards)

Marine carbs are specialized and may require extra time for access and safety checks.

• Parts: $300–$800+ for marine-rated carbs.
• Labor: 2–4+ hours including linkage, choke, and idle setup.
• Total typical: $500–$1,500; premium parts or difficult access can push higher.

Saltwater exposure can complicate fasteners and linkages, adding labor time.

Replace, rebuild, or just clean?

Before committing to replacement, compare alternatives that may solve the issue at lower cost.

• Professional rebuild: $300–$900 for most automotive carbs; $100–$300 for many motorcycles; $60–$150 for small engines. Good when the throttle shaft and castings are serviceable.
• DIY rebuild kit: $40–$150 (auto), $25–$80 (powersports), $15–$50 (small engine), plus your time. Best for confident DIYers with manuals and proper cleaning tools.
• Cleaning/adjustment only: $0–$200 depending on labor; often fixes issues caused by stale fuel/varnish or misadjusted choke/idle.
• Full replacement: Best when housings are warped, shafts are worn, parts are unobtainable, or reliability is a priority.

A competent diagnosis can determine whether a rebuild or deep clean will restore performance without the expense of a new unit.

Common add-on costs

Beyond the carb itself, shops may recommend preventive replacements to protect your investment and ensure proper operation.

• Mounting gasket/spacer and base gasket: $10–$40.
• Fuel filter and fresh fuel lines: $15–$80.
• Choke components, linkage bushings, springs: $10–$60.
• Vacuum hoses and caps: $10–$40.
• Ignition tune-up (plugs, wires, timing set): $50–$300.
• Dyno or extended road/sea testing and fine-tuning: $100–$400.

These items aren’t always required, but they often prevent repeat visits due to debris, vacuum leaks, or mismatched settings.

How long does replacement take?

Time-on-task varies: 0.5–1 hour for small engines, 1.5–4 hours for motorcycles/ATVs (more for multi-carb racks), 2–4 hours for most cars and trucks, and 2–4+ hours for marine engines. Add 0.5–2 hours for tuning, synchronization, and road/sea testing as needed.

When replacement or rebuild is worth it

If you’re seeing persistent drivability problems, a carb service may be the most effective fix.

• Hard starting (hot or cold), stalling, or poor idle quality.
• Black smoke, fuel odor, or noticeably poor fuel economy.
• Flat spots, hesitation on acceleration, or lack of power.
• Visible leaks, warped housings, or stripped adjustment screws.
• Old fuel/varnish after long storage that resists cleaning.

Note that modern cars are fuel-injected; if your vehicle is from the 1990s or newer, it likely doesn’t have a carburetor at all.

Getting an accurate quote

Calling a few local shops with details will nail down a realistic price for your specific machine.

• Provide year, make, model, engine size, and emission spec (e.g., California vs. 49-state).
• Describe symptoms and any recent fuel or ignition work.
• Ask for parts options (reman vs. new) and line-item estimates for tuning and add-ons.
• Request warranty terms on parts and labor.

Clear details help shops estimate labor time for access, linkages, and tuning peculiarities of your setup.

Summary

Replacing a carburetor typically costs $600–$1,500 for older cars and trucks, $200–$800 for many motorcycles, $50–$200 for small engines, and $500–$1,500 for marine applications, with high-performance or hard-to-access jobs reaching $1,500–$2,500+. Costs hinge on the carb type, labor rates, and tuning time. In many cases, a professional rebuild or thorough cleaning can solve the problem for less—so get a diagnosis and a detailed, written estimate before committing to replacement.

Can you drive a car with a bad carburetor?

Since the carburetor is directly related to your engine’s performance and efficiency, a malfunctioning or bad carburetor can seriously affect how your car drives. When you have a faulty carburetor, you’ll experience the following symptoms: Problems with acceleration and deceleration. Increase in fuel consumption.

Is replacing a carburetor easy?

Replacing a carburetor can range from easy to hard, depending on the engine; it’s often a simple DIY task for small engines (like lawn mowers) but can be more complex for cars, involving more parts like vacuum hoses and linkages. Key steps involve disconnecting the air filter, fuel line, and linkages, removing the old carburetor with its gasket, installing the new carburetor with a new gasket, and then reassembling everything in reverse. The most challenging part might be the final adjustment (tuning), not the physical replacement itself. 
Before You Start

1. Disconnect Power: Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues. 
2. Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the new carburetor, new gaskets, possibly a shop rag to catch fuel drips, and any tools required, such as pliers, a wrench, and possibly hose pinch-off pliers. 
3. Consult Your Manual: Check your equipment’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and torque specifications for your particular model. 

Removing the Old Carburetor

1. Access the Carburetor: Remove the air filter and air filter cover, and potentially the entire air filter housing to get access. 
2. Disconnect Connections:
   • Fuel Line: Clamp the fuel line and disconnect it from the carburetor. 
   • Linkages & Rods: Disconnect the throttle linkage, choke rod, and governor linkage if applicable. Taking a photo can help with reassembly. 
   • Vacuum Hoses: Disconnect any vacuum hoses, keeping track of where they go. 
3. Remove the Carburetor: Unbolt the carburetor from the engine’s intake manifold and carefully remove it, often along with its gasket. 

Installing the New Carburetor

1. Prepare the Surface: Clean the mounting surface on the engine intake to ensure a good seal. 
2. Position New Carburetor: Install the new intake gasket, then position the new carburetor onto the mounting studs. 
3. Re-Connect Everything: Re-attach and tighten the carburetor mounting studs firmly. 
4. Reconnect: Reconnect the fuel line, vacuum hoses, and throttle/choke linkages and rods. 

Finishing Up

1. Final Checks: Reinstall the air filter and air filter housing. 
2. Test for Leaks: Turn the fuel back on and check for any fuel leaks from the fuel line connection. 
3. Start Engine: Start the engine to ensure it runs correctly. 
4. Adjust (If Needed): If the engine has issues, you may need to perform a carburetor adjustment or “tuning” which is often the most complex part. 

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a carburetor?

Rebuild: Generally, rebuilding a carburetor is cheaper than buying a new one. Kits are often available that include necessary parts. Replace: A new carburetor can be more expensive, but it might come with a warranty and the assurance of new parts.

How much does it cost to change a carburetor?

A complete carburetor replacement for a car typically costs $500 to $1,000+, including the new part and professional labor, while a rebuild can range from $150 to $300 for parts and labor, with a DIY rebuild costing as little as $100 for parts alone. The final cost depends on the vehicle’s year, make, and model, the need for a full replacement versus a rebuild kit, and whether you perform the work yourself.
 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle: The specific vehicle’s make, model, and year are the biggest factors. An aftermarket carburetor for a dirt bike can cost under $30, while a high-performance carb for a truck or classic car can exceed $1,000. 
• Replacement vs. Rebuild:
  • Rebuild Kits: A rebuild kit, containing necessary gaskets and jets, costs around $100, making it a very cost-effective option for DIYers. 
  • Full Replacement: A new, complete carburetor unit costs significantly more but provides the opportunity to upgrade to features like an electronic choke or a four-barrel model. 
• Labor Costs: A professional mechanic will charge for their time to diagnose, remove, rebuild, and reinstall the carburetor. Labor costs can add several hundred dollars to the total price, depending on the shop’s hourly rate. 
• DIY vs. Professional: Performing the repair yourself can save significant money by eliminating labor charges. However, this requires mechanical skill and confidence to correctly identify and fix issues. 
• Brand & Upgrades: Popular and reputable brands like Holley and Edelbrock offer a wide range of carburetors, with prices varying based on features, performance, and aesthetics. 

How to get an accurate estimate:

• Call your local auto parts store or mechanic: Provide the specific year, make, and model of your vehicle to get accurate pricing on both parts and installation. 
• Check online retailers: Browse websites like CarParts.com or JEGS High Performance to see the cost of replacement units and rebuild kits for your vehicle.