Replacement Carburetor Suggestions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
Replacement Carburetor Suggestions
I recently had my stock carburetor rebuilt, 3 times actually. The shop came highly recommended but I've had nothing but problems. Each time they rebuild and/or adjust the carburetor, the car runs fine for a day or so and then the starting problems return. Oftentimes, the car starts fine when cold but once I turn it off, it becomes increasingly difficult to restart it. I'm fed up with all these problems and have decided to replace the carburetor. Can anyone recommend a proper direct fit replacement? I live in California, so it should be 50 state legal and, being a C3, I don't have much hood clearance to accommodate a thick adapter plate. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
If the car has the original Q-jet carburetor it should be pretty much bullet-proof. Maybe your problem is elsewhere. Ignition, plug wires, electrical grounds, fuel pump, inlet fuel filter, dirt in gas tank, etc. Do you change brands of gasoline? Some are really crappy. Another thought, is the HEI module original GM? Some aftermarket modules have thermal cutoffs.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
Good points. I do use "good" fuel without exception, sticking to the same brand and regularly use fuel system cleaning additives. The fuel pump, starter and alternators have all been replaced within the last year as was the inlet fuel filter and plug wires are also new. not sure about the HEI module, I'll have to check on it (I've owned the car for approx. 2 years now).
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
Best idea yet, Shark Racer. I actually dropped it off at J&D Corvette earlier today but of course, not without a few challenges. Waiting for a diagnosis. Saturday's cruise to Escondido is now in question.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Bay Florida
79Shark - is there an age limit in CA (car that is 
) when vehicles are exempt from annual smog tests? If so then you can play with mixture/timing/thermostat temp until you conquer all hot and cold starting problems. Are we getting spoiled by EFI and electronic ignition or what??
) when vehicles are exempt from annual smog tests? If so then you can play with mixture/timing/thermostat temp until you conquer all hot and cold starting problems. Are we getting spoiled by EFI and electronic ignition or what??
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Leesburg VA
I'm going with vapor lock or fuel percolation. Be sure the fuel lines do not contact the block, heads, or manifold at any point from the fuel pump to the carb...and speaking of the fuel pump make sure it is delivering adeqate pressure. Part of my starting issue was because the fuel pump was not delivering enough fuel pressure at idle to refill the bowl and lines after the fuel boiled off. I ended up getting a new fuel pump and using thermal wrap on the fuel lines from the pump to carb, and have had no problems with hot starts since. Also got a new mini-started at the same time.
John
John
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
79Shark - is there an age limit in CA (car that is ) when vehicles are exempt from annual smog tests? If so then you can play with mixture/timing/thermostat temp until you conquer all hot and cold starting problems. Are we getting spoiled by EFI and electronic ignition or what??
) when vehicles are exempt from annual smog tests? If so then you can play with mixture/timing/thermostat temp until you conquer all hot and cold starting problems. Are we getting spoiled by EFI and electronic ignition or what??
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
Hey, you know what I'm going to say, so I won't say it . . . .
With the kind of driving you do . . . Do not replace the Q-Jet. When properly tuned/rebuilt they're as good as anything out there realitive to your driving.
If the timing is too far advanced, that will lead to over heating and hard starts.
I was told the other day that all roads lead to Costa Mesa . . .
With the kind of driving you do . . . Do not replace the Q-Jet. When properly tuned/rebuilt they're as good as anything out there realitive to your driving.
If the timing is too far advanced, that will lead to over heating and hard starts.
I was told the other day that all roads lead to Costa Mesa . . .
Last edited by imariver; Oct 29, 2013 at 04:10 PM.
