Topic: If I let off on the gas...
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
Good Golly Miss Molly there is sure a wealth of information to be had here.
Joel it almost sounds like it would be not that much harder to just remove the water pump and fan and check the play that way. True or not true?
For whatever reason I am a fan of the Q-Jet. From what I read its pretty important to find someone who "understands" the carb to rebuild it.
I am sure I would have got some gum out on the acc pump as I sprayed that stuff all over. Seemed like it cleaned stuff up pretty well.
So if the problem resurfaces quickly I will get a new pump on there in a heart beat. Thanks.
Tux, you can blame the gum out for you not having a Red Vette.
If that stuff hadnt worked I was GONNA CALL!
But for now it looks like I am gonna hang on to the Q-Jet and the car under it. Give it time.......lol
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=jt's73]Joel it almost sounds like it would be not that much harder to just remove the water pump and fan and check the play that way. True or not true?[/QUOTE]
NOT true, John...
The balancer has to come off to get the cover off...major pain. The earlier cars('78-older) would also have to drop the oil pan...
The spray cleaners will do ok on some stuff, but the only real solution would be to rebuild the carb. Then make sure it has a new filter in it.
NOT true, John...
The balancer has to come off to get the cover off...major pain. The earlier cars('78-older) would also have to drop the oil pan...
The spray cleaners will do ok on some stuff, but the only real solution would be to rebuild the carb. Then make sure it has a new filter in it.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
Talked me outta that one.
So lets say one wants to get the old Q-Jet rebuilt.
Do most people send them off or just look for a local shop that does good work?
There's lots of options on a rebuild and it depends on how much you want to spend as well as whether you try to keep the carb "numbers matching".
If you don't care about "numbers matching", find the best price amongst Pep Boys, Advance etc.. They're almost certainly going to be cheaper than finding a reputable mechanic to rebuild it if you don't want to do it yourself.
You could also spend a few more bucks and get a new one...and then splurge on one with an electric choke. Trust me: that one crummy wire you have to add beats the heck out of the old mechanical choke coil.
Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
So the carb is #'s matching also?
How much it cost isnt nearly as important to me as how well it works and keeping it as stock as possible.
Now about doing it myself.
I have learned over the years I am better at some things than others.
Mechanic work would be one of the things I aint so good at.
Carbs have a number/date code stamp that a "show purist" can determine whether it "number-matches" the car.
If you buy a straight rebuilt you might luck out and get one with the right number stamp. If you don't show the car against others you don't really care about this because you can save the old one and pass it to the next owner (and that assumes the previous owner didn't replace it previously).
Rebuilding a Q-jet is a moderate to major pain in the butt. Installing a rebuilt is a snap.
Adding an extra wire so you have an electric choke instead of a mechanical "coil" choke is easy and it's a VAST improvement. If you sell, you can always REMOVE the extra wire for the choke and return the engine to stock configuration.
Good luck, and let me know what you decide.
Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
So the next question while your here...
If I put a rebuilt carb on would that come with a electric choke?
Or is that a horse of a different color?
I aint going to put this in a show but I figure that since it seems to be original, cept for the color, I might as well keep it that way for some Vette lover long after I am gone.
So why the electric choke? What does it do that the coil doesnt?
It takes a while to warm up but she sits there and idles great.
I wont take off till the temp hits at least 130 or there about.
And thanks so much for your replies. I am trying to learn this stuff.
OK. I'm going to get basic here, so don't be insulted if you already know some of this stuff.
The choke restricts air into the carb (creating a very gas-rich mixture) to help the engine start easier when the engine is cold. The colder it is outside, the harder to start without a choke. HOWEVER, once the engine starts to warm up, this choke needs to open to generate the most power and fuel economy.
The mechanical choke on your (and my) older C3 is a pain to adjust properly (you have to bend linkage parts over and over again until you get it right) and it tends to get worn (requiring readjustment) fairly quickly. They also get stuck open or closed because they're mechanical.
An electric choke is simpler, the mechanical parts are enclosed so they don't stick as often, and they are a snap to adjust (you loosen a screw and twist the black housing a bit).
You can buy a carb with or without the electric choke. For yours, all you'll need to do is talk with your parts guy. He can look up what you need,
Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
Thank you Patrick.
I do understand what the choke does but did not understand how much work is involved in keeping it working properly.
Also from what I understand, the Holley doesnt work as well as the name would indicate. I like the Q-Jet and would stick with the Rochester.
Again, thanks for the info and remember that a year ago I didnt know even know Corvettes came in C-1,2,3,4,5 or 6.
I just knew the one my friend had in my garage looked cool, drove great and he was going to sell it.
Basic is good.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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