Topic: Water in gas tank
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Huntington Beach, CA - USA
Joined: 7/23/2005
Posts: 10
Vette(s): 1977 - L48 - 350 engine performance modifications (cam, lifters, carburator jets, recurved distributor, automatic transmission quick shift, 3:55 rear end, high performance catalytic), complete interior restoration, exterior restoration is in-process.
The gasoline overflow drain hole got plugged up. The rains came and even with the gas cap on tight, water got into the fuel tank. I checked the fuel pump (A-OK), drained the tank, cleared the line, put in a new gas filter but it still won't start. Dribbling gas or spraying starting fluid into the carburetor will cause it to fire up for an instant then quit. Did I miss doing something? I guess it's rebuild the Rochester carburetor time.
Lionel
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Former Member
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NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV - USA
Joined: 3/3/2003
Posts: 90
Vette(s): 1975 Coupe NOM 350: Edelbrock 64cc heads, QJet clone, Performer manifold & cam, gear drive and water pump; MSD ProBillet dist and 6A box, Comp rollers, Hedman headers into true duals, Magnaflow cans,TH400 w/shift kit, TT2's, 3.70RA, hi-rise hood
From my no-start thread on this board three years ago: OK ... so it's two + months later ... and the weather and kids'sports have both abated so I got some weekend time to tear down the carb. (Nothing external succeeded ... priming, starting fluid, etc.) No big surprise - the needle (valve) was seized solid. When removed with a bit of Gumout and a bit of gentle force, there was an orange crystalline residue on both the needle and the valve body ... despite the whole fuel system being treated with stabilizer late in the Fall before layup. Hmmm .....
Behavior prior to teardown was identical to yours: Plenty of fuel up from the pump, would light-off momentarily on a shot of starting fluid, etc. Carb didn't need a rebuild, but a good internal cleaning - hope this helps.
I recall a thread here a few years ago where a member showed photos of the contents of a C3 tank which was being siphoned. The difference in color from the water and gas from the tank was pointed out in the photos. The whole tank didn't have to be emptied out.
Does anyone remember this thread? I couldn't find it.
If it can be found it might be helpful to you Jed.

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
That's what I like about a Holly, you can pull the sight level plug and fill the fuel bowl as a process of elimination. Did you check to see if you're getting a shot of fuel upon actuation of the gas pedal ? The needle valve is the only possibility if the fuel pump is working.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
You can fill the float bowl of a Q-jet by pouring gas down the breather tube in the top center of the carb. If it runs for 30 seconds or so, you have a fuel delivery problem. Then disconnect the fuel line at the carb and direct it into a container while you crank the engine. If it is pumping, the needle valve must be stuck or plugged. If it is not pumping, leave the line disconnected and pressurize the tank. If gas comes out, the fuel pump is bad. If gas does not come out, keep disconnecting further back until gas comes out, and you will have found the blockage.
Good Luck
Larry
Good Luck
Larry
in Forum: C3 Engines
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