Whats the Problem??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Whats the Problem??
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!
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
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From: California
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
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?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
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From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by 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?
Team Owner
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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I agree, fix the leak. Is it leaking from a fuel line, a gasket, pics could help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
I agree with 76Vette. Start there. When was the last time the car had a tune up?
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Team Owner
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From: Western NY
Again, however, WHERE are you seeing the "leakage"?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
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From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by 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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
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From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by 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"?
Again, however, WHERE are you seeing the "leakage"?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
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From: Grand Ledge, MI
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
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 . 