I have a '73 350 CI, automatic with a Q-Jet and started it up this week. Everything was going good until the car felt like it flooded out and stalled. I took off the air cleaner and tried to start it. Had to pull the linkage all the way open to get it started. THEN...it was spitting gas everywhere. It was comming from the front of the carb, out of the accelerator pump, the vent tube, and around the middle of the front of the carb. Talked to some folks that "know more than I" and they said that my carb crapped out. IS THIS TRUE???? If so...should I replace it? If so, with another Q-Jet? Or a Holley...or an Edelbrock? Been looking at the Edelbrocks, If I replace carb and intake I can keep it emissions safe (in Missouri a '73 still has to be tested...(all a bunch of B.S.) I'm on the fence here fellow C3ers and need some good advice. Please keep in mind that my car is now DEAD and that my heart is breaking a little more each day. I need to fix what ails her but I want to do the right thing....I know you all can help....PLEASE give advise.
Thanks!
Kevin

My Q-Jet died a similar death. When I bought the car it was in bad need of a rebuild so I had it professionally done. Not two months went by and it just went completely...gas seeping from everywhere just like yours. The Q-Jet is a good carb if done properly from what I have heard, but my patience had worn thin with it. I bought a direct replacement Holley with electric choke from Mid America and couldn't be happier with it.

I had the Q-Jet on my '78 L82 rebuilt a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier with the results. Since my car has a bigger cam, the carb also needed rejetting. The point is to have it rebuilt by someone who knows what he's doing. I'm fortunate that there is a quality rebuilder local to me. The carb guy there said he does not recommend replacing an original carb unless it has been physically damaged.

If you want, Holley rebuilds Q-Jets in their shop if you can't find someone locally to do it for you. I don't know what they charge, but they have a first class reputation.

I'd check these options before deciding to replace the carb you have.

If your carb condition and previous history on repairs is questionable, I would have it professionally refurbished (not just a general carb rebuild kit), completely torn down, everything checked and setup proper. Some carb houses will even re-plate the finish to look brand new if that is what you want.

Thanks for the help everyone! To follow up to my problem....bigvette1 gave me some good advice that worked. He said to remove the fuel filter on the front of the carb, then to spray some carb/choke cleaner into the fliter hole on the carb, the into the vent tube, and let it sit fo a few minutes...reassemble then fire it up.
It Worked!!!! He said that he thought the needle and seat were stuck open...which I guess they were. Thanks again all Hope this helps someone else.

Kevin,
I don't know if they are available in Mo but Oh offers a collectors plate. no need for emissions checks. only two criteria to qualify, 1) your car must be collectable and 2) the car is not your primary mode of transportation. They cost a little more but are well worth it. They are better than historical plates because you can drive your car anywhere, anytime.
Hank