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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 09:35 AM
  #1  
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Default Help Please!!


I have left my 1981 standing for about 6 weeks and when I came to start it today, it started ok, but then as it became warmer it began to run very rought and missing on a few cylinders. As i drive it it improved until I came to let it idle again and it was on the breach of stalling. It also smelt like it was running rich whilst it was running rough and it smoked slightly, grey to blue in colour. The car isn't burning oil as i always check the oil level.

What do you guys think, I am thinking of the plugs and leads, but looking for some help.

Thanks in advance,

Paul.
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 10:06 AM
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Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

Paul,
Sounds like the float is sticking to me..causing too much gas in the carb and an overflow into the motor at idle. The actual problem is the needle and seat that the float shuts off when the carb float bowl is full of fuel. I would get some Marvel Mystery Oil and add to the gas tank. This is a high detergent lube for valve top..but does a good job of cleaning the fuel system. If that doesnt fix it after a few miles of driving...its time to take the carb down for a new needle and seat.
I hope this helps.
Dave 62 62 vette driver :yesnod:
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 11:07 AM
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From: Rochester Kent
Default Re: Help Please!! (Dave62)


Thanks Dave, hopefully isn't the carb as this sounds expensive!!!
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 11:33 AM
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Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

Thanks Dave, hopefully isn't the carb as this sounds expensive!!!
Naw, it's cheap and relatively easy. Buy a carb kit at Autozone (or wherever) and simply follow the steps on the blow-up diagram that's included. I've done it many times now, but the first time, that's all I did and it came together just fine. A basic rebuild is not that difficult on a qjet.

JB
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 12:59 PM
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From: Rochester Kent
Default Re: Help Please!! (JB)


Thanks JB, will give it a go, i hope it will make all the difference.
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 01:03 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

I had a sticking float in a motorcycle once. while it was sitting there pouring fuel out into the engine (at idle) I lightly banged on the fuel bowl to shake things up a bit. I used a rubber mallet. Worked fine.

Just a thought. Maybe bang on the front of the QJet with a rubber hammer to get the float un-stuck? It's either that or open it up.
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 01:06 PM
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Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

Sounds to me like the choke is sticking. Crank it and let it warm up, pull the breather cover and check to make sure the choke is opening up all the way. If the choke is open and it is still doing what you describe take a screwdriver and tap the caburator above the choke, sometimes that will unstick it if its just a small peice of trash. Otherwise it might be rebuild time
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 01:13 PM
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From: Rochester Kent
Default Re: Help Please!! (EDDIEJ82)

I will try all those suggestions, but none of you guys think that it could be the plug lead breaking down. Someone once told me that once the motor gets warm the heat will efect the leads if they are getting near the end of their life.

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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 01:20 PM
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Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

Paul,

Check your distributor cap it could have some moisture on the inside that could be causing your problem.

Ulf
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Old Dec 24, 2003 | 01:38 PM
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From: FRANKLIN GA
Default Re: Help Please!! (Pauld)

Paul I doubt it is a plug wire issue because it would probably break down at all speeds also the rich gas smell and black smoke are both symptoms of a rich condition i.e. choke of float. hope that helps
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