Sierra Needle and Seat 18-7038, Replaces 396520 379312 387262, Fits 3 HP Outboards 1952-67

The Sierra Needle and Seat 18-7038 is a carburetor fuel metering component that controls the flow of fuel from the float bowl into the carburetor throat. As the float rises and falls with fuel level, it opens and closes the needle against the seat, shutting off fuel supply once the bowl reaches the correct level and preventing flooding or fuel starvation at the carburetor. This is a direct-fit replacement part designed to restore proper fuel metering in carburetors that use this needle and seat assembly, and it is commonly needed when an outboard is running rough, flooding, hard to start, or leaking fuel from the carburetor due to a worn or stuck needle and seat.

The part carries the Sierra part number 18-7038 and is built to match the dimensions and sealing surfaces of the original needle and seat it replaces. It is sold as the needle and seat only, so buyers should confirm they are replacing this specific component rather than a full carburetor kit with float included.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-7038
• UPC: 808282259556
• Weight: 0.01 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches

Fitment

• 3 HP outboard, 1952-67

Replaces (OEM)

• 396520
• 379312
• 387262

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sierra 18-7038 needle and seat do? It regulates the fuel entering the carburetor float bowl on Sierra part number 18-7038, closing off fuel flow once the float reaches the correct level so the engine does not flood or run rich.

What outboards does the 18-7038 needle and seat fit? The 18-7038 needle and seat fits 3 HP outboards from 1952-67.

Which OEM part numbers does 18-7038 replace? This needle and seat replaces OEM numbers 396520, 379312, and 387262.

Does the 18-7038 come with a float? No, 18-7038 is the needle and seat assembly only and does not include the carburetor float, which is a separate component.

How much does the 18-7038 needle and seat weigh? The Sierra 18-7038 needle and seat weighs 0.01 pounds.

What are the dimensions of the 18-7038 needle and seat? It measures 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches, sized to fit directly into the original carburetor needle and seat bore.

Is the Sierra 18-7038 a genuine Sierra part or aftermarket? 18-7038 is a Sierra-branded replacement part manufactured to match the fit and function of the original needle and seat it replaces.

What are the symptoms of a worn needle and seat like the 18-7038? A worn or stuck needle and seat typically causes carburetor flooding, fuel leaking from the carb, hard starting, or an engine that runs rich or rough at idle.

Can 18-7038 be used to fix a flooding carburetor? Yes, replacing a worn needle and seat with the Sierra 18-7038 is a common fix for a carburetor that floods due to fuel not shutting off properly at the float level.

Is 18-7038 the correct needle and seat for all outboard horsepower ratings? No, 18-7038 is specific to the 3 HP, 1952-67 application; other horsepower ratings and years use different Sierra needle and seat part numbers.

What is included with the Sierra 18-7038? The 18-7038 package contains the needle and seat assembly only, for installation into the existing carburetor body.