79CalShark

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.

dochorsepower

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.

79CalShark

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).

lvmyvt76

send it to Lairs, he can rebuild anything, even my lawn mower carb!

Shark Racer

Drive it up to norcal. We can figure something out. Not convenient, but...

79CalShark

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.

Shark Racer

These carburetors are real easy to work on, once you've been nose deep in a handful of them.

79CalShark

Well, in addition to the starting issues, the car began overheating today. Waiting to see what the shop tells me. Keeping my fingers crossed.

exposingtime

If starting issue when hot and overheating your timing might be too retarded.

pacecar620

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??

Brcmpbl

I'm going with timing and ignition on this one...common to blame the carburetor, but often timing is the culprit.

LudemJo

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

maverickmk

pacecar620

Maverick - trade my pace car for that Tomcat?

79CalShark

Unfortunately not, '75 was the last year exempt from smog, anything newer needs to comply with the silly CA smog rules.

79CalShark

Makes sense to me, thank you all very much. I'm waiting to hear the verdict from the shop.

Paul L

I am as well. That kind of info helps everyone here.

imariver

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 . . .

maverickmk

All of those Tomcats are baking in the Arizona sun at Davis-Monthan AFB

dmaxx3500

im told not many of em left out in the sun[in 1 piece]sad days,,tomcats rule