Oh, and stingraymaniac, we've pretty much determined that the fuel wasn't the problem, although by now it's gone bad again, but we'll just pump it out and fill'er up. Each time the Vette sat for a long time we pumped out the tank, so it's probably not that, also considering the fact that the problem started when it was running almost everyday with fresh fuel.

 

When I got my vette the fuel pump was leaking. And in a old 74 mercedes I had the diaphragm in the mechanical pump died causing loss of pressure and fuel leaking into the engine - which evaporated in the hot oil giving a bit of a smell .

 

There is a fellow by the name of Lars on this board that has written several paper on tuning SBC. Do a search for his papers, not certain of his home website, also check Corvettefaq.com for his papers. The rich running I would first check the carb especially since it was running ok at first. Trash, debris old gas gunk could have plated out in the carb or the float maybe stuck open or partically opened. Take the carb off the engine and turn it upside down a few times to get any gunk out, remove the carb top and wash everything off with gas or a carb cleaner. Then put it back on and try it. First read Lars' papers.

By the way I am building a database on 73 Corvettes, see a post on the C3 General section, I would like to get the information from your Dad's 73 especially since it is still owned by the original owner - a great find for the database.

Roger

 

Rodger, I'd love to add my Dad's vette to the database, I'll get right on that when my pops gets home. Also, I'll be sure to look that fellow's papers up, that could prove very useful, thank you.

Haha, mark, I was wondering how you came up with that fantastic suggestion. It looks like you're a man of experiance, unfortunately

 

Well, I'm back from a long hiatus. I can't believe I remembered my password.

Long story short- we didn't get far on our project. Like many good intentions, life has a way of diverting us. Dad passed away just this past March of complications due to ALS, though that wasn't why we never got around to working on the car.

Mom dropped 7 grand on the Vette to get her running again and gave her to me. Bitter sweet, really. Also, Dad never got around to teaching me standard. I had to learn on the way home from the mechanic (eeesh... easy car to learn on- loads of torque, but at the same time, a gear grind made me want to die).

She runs great, and she's mostly original. 63000 or so miles on it, and the frame only has surface rust on it.

I am just happy that I get a chance to take care of Dad's car.

If anyone was curious, it seems that the choke was stuck in a way such that it wouldn't ease up as the engine warmed up. The mechanic basically just removed it and called it a day. I should have a new carburetor, but for now she starts and runs just fine.

Thanks again for all your posts and help 8 years ago. I really appreciate it... Oh, and RMS73 (Roger)... I think I'll finally get around to putting Dad's car in your data base. Father-to-son still pretty good?

-Dan

 

Dan, welcome back and we're very sorry for your loss. I know it's not the way you wanted to inherit his '73, but every minute you spend with it will surely feel as if he is there with you.

As others mentioned earlier, the Quadrajet is an excellent carburetor for the 350 engine. An original carb for your car is well worth holding onto and taking the time to find a qualified individual to rebuild. If you do this I don't think you'll be disappointed. I believe someone earlier even recommended a shop nearby. You might want to look into that when you get a chance.

Good luck with the '73 and thanks for coming back and filling in the blanks.

GUSTO

 

Someone brought up what alternative carburetors are out there. The Quadrajet is a spreadbore carb. Holley makes a direct replacement as well as Edelbrock. Both are better and easier to work on than a Quadrajet. The Edelbrock is based on the old Carter AVS series.

 

This is a thread from 2007 with a follow-up in 2015. He likely has the issue solved... Dead thread.

 

Don't forget to email Lars and ask for is papers on the carbs. Also he rebuilds and tunes better than most others.

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