The Complete Guide to Identifying Weber Carburettors
Weber has produced dozens of carburettor models over the past several decades. At first glance, many of them look almost identical, but appearances can be deceptive. Most Weber carburettors use components that are specific to their model.
Unlike some other carburettor manufacturers, very few parts are interchangeable between different Weber families. Jets, emulsion tubes, venturis (chokes), diaphragms, floats, throttle shafts, gaskets and linkage components can all differ from one model to another.
In reality, there are virtually no parts that are common across every Weber carburettor.
This is why correctly identifying your carburettor model is essential before ordering replacement parts.
Whether you're looking for a rebuild kit, jets, venturis, a float or simply an air filter, knowing the exact model will save you from costly ordering mistakes.
The Most Common Mistake: Confusing the Vehicle Manufacturer's Part Number with the Weber Model
Many Weber carburettors carry a metal identification plate or an adhesive label displaying a reference number.
This number usually belongs to:
- the vehicle manufacturer (Ford, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Lancia, etc.);
- the original equipment manufacturer (OEM);
- or an aftermarket parts supplier.
In most cases, this is not the Weber model number.
For example, a Weber carburettor originally fitted to a Ford Escort may carry a plate marked: 76HF ABA
This is a Ford part number, not a Weber model designation.
In some cases it is possible to cross-reference the manufacturer's number to the corresponding Weber model, but this is not always reliable. For that reason, we strongly recommend identifying the Weber model number stamped directly into the carburettor body.
Where Can You Find the Weber Model Number?
Unlike the manufacturer's identification plate, the Weber model number is always stamped directly into the carburettor body.
It normally begins with:
- a two-digit number;
- or two numbers separated by a slash;
followed by three or four letters and, in some cases, a suffix consisting of numbers and/or letters.
Examples include:
- 32/36 DGV
- 32/36 DGAV
- 32/36 DGEV
- 38 DGAS
- 40 DCOE 18
- 45 DCOE 9
- 40 IDF
- 46 IDA 3
The suffix is not always present, but when it is, it can be extremely important.
Where Is the Model Number Located?
Vertical Carburettors
Examples:
- DGV
- DGAV
- DGEV
- IDF
- IDA
The model number is usually stamped on one side of the carburettor base, close to the mounting flange.
Note: On many vehicles this side faces the engine, making it difficult to read. A torch, a mirror or even a photograph taken with a mobile phone can make the marking much easier to see.
Horizontal Carburettors
Examples:
- DCOE
The model number is generally stamped on the top of the carburettor, on the outside of the jet cover.
This marking is usually much easier to locate.
Understanding a Weber Model Number
Take the following example:
32/36 DGAV
Each part of the model number has a specific meaning.
The Numbers
The first number represents the diameter of the primary throttle bore.
The second number (when present) represents the diameter of the secondary throttle bore.
In this example:
32/36
means:
- 32 mm primary barrel
- 36 mm secondary barrel
A model simply marked:
40 DCOE
has two 40 mm throttle bores.
Important: The bore size alone is not sufficient to identify a carburettor.
Two 40 mm Weber carburettors may belong to completely different families and share virtually no interchangeable parts.
Understanding the Weber Letter Codes
The letters originate from Italian abbreviations historically used by Weber.
Although understanding them isn't essential when ordering parts, they do provide a useful insight into the carburettor's design.
D
D = Doppio
"Doppio" means double.
This simply indicates a twin-choke carburettor.
G or F
The second letter indicates whether the carburettor is a right-hand or left-hand version.
- DG = right-hand version
- DF = left-hand version
The two models are effectively mirror images of one another.
Throttle shaft rotation is reversed, as is the position of the primary and secondary barrels.
Although they appear almost identical, many components are not interchangeable.
Interestingly, the main castings of the DGV and DFV are almost perfectly symmetrical. Weber could simply have relocated the throttle linkage, accelerator pump and fuel inlet from one side to the other.
Instead, the company designed a different top cover. As a result, even the air cleaner used on a DGV will not fit a DFV.
A, E... or No Letter
This letter identifies the choke system.
A
Automatic water choke.
The choke mechanism is operated by the engine coolant.
E
Electric automatic choke.
No Letter
Manual choke.
For example:
32/36 DGV
is fitted with a manual choke.
V
The exact meaning of the letter V is still debated.
Depending on the source, it may stand for:
- Verticale (vertical)
- or indicate the presence of an enrichment valve.
Fortunately, this distinction is of little importance when identifying your carburettor.
Examples
32/36 DGV
- Twin-choke carburettor
- Right-hand version
- Manual choke
32/36 DGAV
- Twin-choke carburettor
- Right-hand version
- Automatic water choke
32/36 DGEV
- Twin-choke carburettor
- Right-hand version
- Electric choke
32/36 DFEV
- Twin-choke carburettor
- Left-hand version
- Electric choke
What Do the Suffix Numbers Mean?
Some Weber carburettors include one or more numbers after the model designation.
Examples:
- 40 DCOE 2
- 40 DCOE 18
- 40 DCOE 32
- 32/36 DGV 5A
These suffixes generally identify a specific factory variant.
The main carburettor body remains the same, but Weber may have altered:
- the original calibration;
- jet sizes;
- venturis;
- emulsion tubes;
- linkage arrangements;
- or various levers and control components.
For example, the Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce was fitted with 40 DCOE 2, while the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce used 40 DCOE 32.
Both belong to the DCOE family, but their original factory calibration is different.
An Important Exception: The IDA Family
The IDA range is an important exception.
A:
46 IDA
is a twin-choke vertical carburettor.
However:
46 IDA 3
is a triple-choke vertical carburettor.
This is not simply a different version—it is an entirely different design, with many unique components.
For this reason, it is always important to record the complete model number.
The Most Common Weber Carburettor Families
32/36 DGV
Probably the best-known Weber progressive carburettor.
- Twin-choke vertical design
- Manual choke
- Widely used in Formula Ford 1600, Formula Ford 2000, Sports 2000 and countless road and competition engine builds.
32/36 DGAV
Identical to the DGV but fitted with an automatic water choke.
32/36 DGEV
The same design as the DGV but fitted with an electric choke.
32/36 DFAV / DFEV
Mirror-image versions of the DGV.
Jets are generally interchangeable, but most other components are specific to the DF series.
38 DGAS / DGES
Synchronous twin-choke carburettors.
Unlike the progressive DGV, both throttle butterflies open simultaneously.
40 DCOE • 45 DCOE • 48 DCO • 50 DCO • 55 DCOE
The legendary family of horizontal Weber carburettors.
Widely used on:
- Alfa Romeo
- Lotus
- Ford Twin Cam
- Abarth
- Historic competition cars
40 IDF • 44 IDF
Twin-choke vertical carburettors particularly popular on:
- Air-cooled Volkswagen engines
- Classic Porsche engines
- Numerous performance engine builds
46 IDA • 48 IDA
High-performance twin-choke vertical carburettors.
40 IDA 3 • 46 IDA 3
Triple-choke vertical carburettors used on certain Porsche flat-six and classic Ferrari engines.
Summary Table
| Model | Common Name | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 32/36 DGV | DGV | Progressive, manual choke |
| 32/36 DGAV | DGV | Automatic water choke |
| 32/36 DGEV | DGV | Electric choke |
| 32/36 DFAV / DFEV | DFV | Mirror-image DGV version |
| 38 DGAS / DGES | DGAS | Synchronous twin-choke |
| 40 DCOE / 45 DCOE / 48 DCO / 50 DCO / 55 DCOE | DCOE | Horizontal twin-choke |
| 40 IDF / 44 IDF | IDF | Vertical twin-choke |
| 46 IDA / 48 IDA | IDA | High-performance vertical twin-choke |
| 40 IDA 3 / 46 IDA 3 | IDA 3 | Vertical triple-choke |
Important
Never order replacement parts based solely on the vehicle manufacturer's identification plate or OEM part number. The Weber model number stamped directly into the carburettor body is the only reliable way to identify your carburettor correctly.
