my carb isn't correct for my year is it?
 

I need to get my carb rebuilt (my shop guy says it is leaking fuel back so it won't ever start on a dry start). We checked everything else and we think this could be the only possible reason for no dry starts.

Anyway, I looked up my numbers and found this stamped, but when I cross reference the rebuild kits for a '78 L-82 4sp manual, I cannot find the number anywhere. I am assuming this isn't original?


Here is what was stamped:

CFT 17084737
101 53N

Here's a link to a page explaining how to decode Q-Jets. Given the numbers you quoted above, I would venture a guess that the actual number stamped was 17084232. This would break down to:

170 = Q-Jet post 1976
84 = 1984
2 = 49 state emissions (5 for California emissions was the only alternative choice)
3 = Cadillac division
2 = automatic transmission.

The date code should be four digits also (3 for the Julian date and a 4th for the year of manufacture).

If you Q-Jet is leaking fuel, check the lead plugs on the underside of the main body where the main jets are mounted. These plugs are notorious for leaking, and most rebuild shops apply epoxy to seal them.

Good Luck! :cheers:

I'm not sure what that carb fits, it's newer than my list. You can e-mail Lars at v8fastcars@msn.com he is one of the best Quadrajet guys and gives good advise.

Hmm. something isn't adding up at all then.

Here is the pic I took of the stamping. Perhaps I am shooting the wrong stamp?

Look at this pic:

http://i54.tinypic.com/2uysksm.jpg

I emailed him earlier today. The email got bounced back

Looks like an EGR valve from the picture. Go back to the link in my earlier post, it will show you where to get the Q-Jet model number and build date info on the carb.

ya you are right, it can't be the right stamping.

but it was soo close to the numbers of a carb, thats why i was guessing that was the stamp.

ill update in a bit

couldn't find the numbers, will have to do some more research

The numbers are stamped on the driver's side rear barrel.


http://buickperformance.com/qjet.html

http://buickperformance.com/carbnum1.jpg


The proper job is to re-peen the plugs on bottom, be sure the surface is very clean and even etched, then epoxy the plug area to seal it.

part of it was blocked.

the part visible was 59216

second line was 9 CMA.

17059216 chev 79 305-350 camaro a/c

17058211 CHEV 78 FED VETTE H.P. A/C & NON 4-SPD

so looks like a carb from a 1979 chevy, possible automatic (says it doesn't always mean that though).

Wonder if I should bother rebuilding this or not.

Would a rebuild kit fix this? or is this something I do with the carb still installed?

also, nothing drips on the garage floor, does the leaking fuel actually drip out? or drip back into the tank?

It goes into your intake manifold,

Lars e-mailed me back saying a rebuild won't fix any hard start issues and then said most Q Jets never leak.

Wonder if I should switch to Holly or Edelbrock carb. Not liking the failed hard starts when I don't drive for a day or two.

so maybe the morning crowd can chime in? any suggestions. Should I just suck it up and deal with not being able to hard dry start my vette?

Mine has been doing that for years. If the cars sits for more than a day, my procedure is easy.

1.) Cranks for 15 secs or so.
2.) Depress gas pedal twice to prime carb and set choke.
3.) Start car.

Fires right up.

Basically what the owners manual says to do.

It's unlikely that a '75 carb will leak at the bottom plugs. Lars says so....Cliff Ruggles says so....I believe them.

I suspect you have a needle valve problem...like, the synthetic tip of the needle is worn away so the valve can't seal completely. It may not leak so much when running that it overfills the bowl, but it could leak back when sitting. I, for one, think you should just do a rebuild of your existing carb. Buy, an Echlin needle/seat kit separately (unless you buy the Echlin full rebuild kit, which will include them...other 'gypo' kits have junk needles/seats). If you find a plastic fuel float in your carb, also buy a brass float (which will never get "fuel logged"); check it by putting the float in a mug of water to see if any air bubbles leak out. If so, the float is bad; if not, you're "good to go".

The 6th pic in this ad shows you exactly what you should have for a 78 L82 4spd. 17058211.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...-l82-pics.html


Since it appears that the carb and intake manifold has been changed you might want to check the engine stamp to see what engine you have before ordering parts. IMHO

Good luck.

hey guys here is a pretty good link for Q jet carbs http://www.chevymania.com/partsid/ca...er&model=4-brl..hell i found mine and it matches.......17059228....lol