Needle/Seat Wire Retainer
 

Every needle/seat assy. includes the wire retainer for the needle that attaches to the float. This is intended, I'd guess, to pull the needle off the seat in case it becomes stuck.

I always use these retainers on Quadrajets, but have wondered why use them at all.

Opinions?

I thought it was two-fold. As you mentioned Dick, to pull it off the seat. With the varnishes in the fuel, it may have been prone to stick if the car sat and the fuel boiled out. Also, I think it was to hold things together. I never ckd, but can the needle dislodge and fall out without the clip in place?

I cannot think of a carburetor that, if the float is correctly adjusted, both in level and drop, that the valve can fall out.

But I did use the clips.

Jon