I just rebuilt my carb (original 67 quad)I'm sure it went back together right.At first it had a vacuum leak at the base gasket. I fixed it with TWO gaskets.( One on each side of the metal plate) (Why is this metal plate necessary, or is it?)Anyway, that stopped the vacuum leak. Now I'm geting, what sounds like an exhaust leak. Tick Tick Tick (gets louder under load, almost silent when you let off the gas)The other problem is I don't have a vacuum tester or a timing light. ( I think the timing is fine )PLEASE any advice on setting the idle mixture screws? I've tried the carbs unlimited site method and it just doesn't seem to run as smooth or have as much power as it used to.I've tried alot of different combinations with the screws and nothing seems to make it run any BETTER or WORSE for that matter. Any tricks of the trade for OLD SCHOOL adjustments?
P.s- the machining plugs were epoxied on the rebuild

[This message has been edited by z-mans-67 (edited 01-16-2003).]

Ok, heres the deal, I took it to a mechanic buddy of mine and he stuck a timing light on it. It was at 6 degrees below tdc. I adjusted it to 6-8 above.He also told me to take out the metal plate that blocked off the smile shaped port thats in front of the manifold base. We put the right gasket on it and got rid of the vacuum leak.Now, remember it ran ok before but not alot of power. It would idle all day long.Now, you can look down inside the carb and see gas dripping pretty steady and it floods out.He says I need to lower the float, yet I set it at exactly the 9/16" it called for in the rebuild kit. I had to feather the gas and brake at the same time just so it would run and I could get it home. Now, it will not idle for more than 20 secs. The idle screws are out about two full turns. I'm gonna go ahead and adjust the float again unless I get a response from somebody here. PLEASE HELP!Quick, before I do more damage!

Make sure the needle and seat are clean and nothing is hanging it open. You know the old one worked, so if you can't tell for sure if the new one's seating right, try putting it back in.

It could be the needle and seat. Also does the engine have a long duration camshaft with low engine vacuum? If the vacuum is too low there is a spring inside that works something like a power valve in a Holley. Your supposed to match the spring with engine vacuum. I think there are different color springs for different vacuum readings.

Too much fuel pressure can knock the needle off the seat and start flooding as well.

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69 Malibu 406 3680lbs Turbo 350 2400 stall, 3.73,XE274, Performer RPM Q-JET, 800 Q-JET, Sportsman2 64cc 11TO1 12.65@105.5 mph on Drag Radials

ACES Member #3635
Tri-State Chevelle Member# TSC-010
Larry G.

Its a "feel" adjustment on the float. you can easily push down too hard on the float hinge and 'overseat ' it, thereby getting a false setting. Its brain surgery here, push down on the hinge just until you feel the needle seat.

While I dont think it would "drip" fuel, you might want to ensure the pri ary metering rods are down in the jets correctly too.

I'm thinking its just a float misadjustment OR a bad float. Float the thing to make sure it doesnt have a pinhole leak.

Ok, thanks for the quick replies guys,I'm going to take it off now and check the float and the needle/seat. I'll post back in an hour and let you know what I find....

needle and seat seem to be ok, lowered float 1/16", we'll see........

Still runs like crap! Gas still dripping at idle but not as fast. Float is set at 11/32 now instead of suggested 9/32. Idle mixture screws do nothing to improve idle. WTF? I'm about to wrap up this carb in a bag and save it for the next owner. Meanwhile, I'm thinking about the 670 cfm holley street avenger. Bolt in on and go, right? Sounds like my kinda carb!

Signed,

Carb Stupid!

SOmething isnt sealing right or the pump is putting out too much pressure for the QJ.. Hey. suppose you could lower it some more and give up performance for the ability to drive the thing.

It very well may be the case that your fuel pump is overwheliming the needle and seat. Dont take much on a QJ, 8-9 psi out of the pump will do it.

From 9/32 to 11/32? Shouldn't you go to 7/32? Getting fuzzy, been a while since I played with quads. I'm still suspecting the needle & float setup.

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Sid Coleman, 71 Ragtop
TC (Gold) #174, MCC #347,
Aces #5457, N3JHV@bellatlantic.net

I'm gonna do now what I shoulda done the first time: put my old needle and seat back in.

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I'd rather walk than be seen in a ford!

You'll never catch me wearin' a suit, but Damn I look good in a Bowtie!