cdavis03

So I took my '78 L-48 for it's first ride registered today and it didn't go too well. After I filled her up with some 91 I went a few miles and it just died. I got it to start by pop starting it with my dad and then it just kept wanting to die unless I kept giving it gas. Amazingly I then get home and pop the hood and there is gas leaking out of the carb. What could the problem be and what do I need to do to fix it? Thanks!

76vette1

First off, find and fix the leaking carb. It is easier to troubleshoot a poor running engine when the fire hazard has been removed.

Tubbafatt

Could be the carb flooding. Do you notice abnormal amounts of smoke coming from the tailpipes? That would be one clue to flooding. Also were you idling or at speed when it died?

cdavis03

At speed and no theres not an abnormal amount of smoke

Easy Mike

I agree with 76Vette. Start there. When was the last time the car had a tune up?

74Ken

Have the carb rebuilt by a professional. I did mine when I got it for 200.00. Better safe than sorry.

Rescue Rogers

I agree, fix the leak. Is it leaking from a fuel line, a gasket, pics could help

cdavis03

I replaced the plugs a few months ago, still yet to do cap&rotor and wires though

cdavis03

Ok i'll do my best to get some.

cdavis03

cdavis03

Just tried to start her up after letting her sit all night and she started right up.

leadfoot4

That's good, BUT you didn't answer the question. WHERE is the fuel "leaking" from? My guess, since it's an older car, is that the float in the fuel bowl is either damaged, causing fuel to get inside of it, so it doesn't "float" and shut off the fuel flow, causing fuel to "spill over", choking out the engine. Or, the float might simply be sticking, due to the inside of the fuel bowl being gummed up, again, causing the float to not work properly.

Again, however, WHERE are you seeing the "leakage"?

ballen06

Be very careful...I would advise you to have a fire extinguisher on hand. A leaky carb can cause a fire. Please don't ask me how I know.

cdavis03

I had one right in my garage and believe me, I wont be driving her anywhere until its fixed

cdavis03

I dont know where its leaking from, it was last night very dark when it happened and today the fuel hasnt leaked out (yet)

cdavis03

Heres some spots I found gas at. Attachment 48023377Attachment 48023376

cdavis03

leadfoot4

That's the 'accelerator pump', and it moves up and down, in conjunction with the accelerator linkage. There's a seal that surrounds that shaft. It's leaking.

Having said that, it appears that the carb is original to your car, is quite dirty, probably has some worn parts, and most likely needs a rebuild. Look up Corvette Forum member "Lars". He's the Quadra-Jet guru, here.

FWIW, I've rebuilt several Q-Jets, but it's been over 20 years since I've touched one, so I'm not volunteering, even though you're located somewhat close to me.

cdavis03

Haha, thanks for the help! Do you think if I replace the seal and stop the leaking gas that itd be ok to drive for a few days?

bj1k

From the looks of that carb I wouldn't even try to start that car again before you get a complete rebuild on the carb by someone that knows these carbs . Do it before you have a fire and lose the car .