Topic: fuel leak
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Former Member
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Sarasota, FL - USA
Joined: 5/16/2005
Posts: 41
Vette(s): 1968 LeMans Blue convertible / 4 speed / with a 1969 350/350hp engine,factory sidepipes, I added a AM/FM AC Delco 8 trax for feel THE 68 IS SOLD AND NOW I HAVE A '97 C-5 / 6 speed HELL OF A VETTE !!!!
Went for a short ride tonight and within 15 min. she stopped running like you just shut it down.
It would turn over , so not electrical ,and then I smelt fuel. Popped the hood and removed the air filter and fuel was dripping from the lower gasket on each side of the Q-Jet. I checked the bolts and they were tight. Tried again and it turned over but just dripped from the lower gasket on carb. I did put STP gas treatment in 2 days before would that have something to do with it ? or is it time to replace or upgrade? 100,000+ mi. on a 350 /350hp 


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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The STP shouldn't have done anything to cause a problem...just coincidental. Sounds like it's time for a carb rebuild. The gaskets have a lot of years and miles on them, so it's no big surprise.
Having a Q-jet rebuilt by a reputable shop should cost considerably less than a replacement of most any brand, plus you don't have to adapt fuel lines, linkages, etc.
Having a Q-jet rebuilt by a reputable shop should cost considerably less than a replacement of most any brand, plus you don't have to adapt fuel lines, linkages, etc.
sounds like a hung float, Q-Jets use two different floats, a hollow metal or a solid plastic one, over the years the plastic ones swell and get hung up in the float bowl, the metal ones leak and sink to the bottom, either way they don't let the needle valve close causing the engine to flood, next time it happens hold your foot to the floor and crank the engine, this allows the cylinders to clear and the engine might fire.
Former Member
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Sarasota, FL - USA
Joined: 5/16/2005
Posts: 41
Vette(s): 1968 LeMans Blue convertible / 4 speed / with a 1969 350/350hp engine,factory sidepipes, I added a AM/FM AC Delco 8 trax for feel THE 68 IS SOLD AND NOW I HAVE A '97 C-5 / 6 speed HELL OF A VETTE !!!!
Thanks, after looking at new carbs. and the $ the rebuild sounds better and keep the org. Q-jet I like. If the rebuild is under $ 150.00. Once again......................GREAT SITE !!!!!!!!!! thanks

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[QUOTE=anips] sounds like a hung float, Q-Jets use two different floats, a hollow metal or a solid plastic one, over the years the plastic ones swell and get hung up in the float bowl, the metal ones leak and sink to the bottom, either way they don't let the needle valve close causing the engine to flood, next time it happens hold your foot to the floor and crank the engine, this allows the cylinders to clear and the engine might fire.[/QUOTE]
I'll bet that's exactly what it is. Get the carb rebuilt (or do it yerself), and be sure to use a new float. They're not expensive, maybe $4-$5. Sometimes, a piece-o-crap will get in the needle/seat, and cause a flood. You can tap lightly on the top of the carb by the fuel inlet with it running(you might need some help), and it will dislodge the crud. It works sometimes, but not every time. I'd say to go ahead & build the carb, and that would solve the problem.
I'll bet that's exactly what it is. Get the carb rebuilt (or do it yerself), and be sure to use a new float. They're not expensive, maybe $4-$5. Sometimes, a piece-o-crap will get in the needle/seat, and cause a flood. You can tap lightly on the top of the carb by the fuel inlet with it running(you might need some help), and it will dislodge the crud. It works sometimes, but not every time. I'd say to go ahead & build the carb, and that would solve the problem.

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I had my Q-jet rebuilt at a carb shop. Cost me $175.00. I installed it in place of my Holley but didn't get the same performance. Its a matter of getting the Quad dialed in. I put my Holley 650cfm back on and am happy with it. A Holley fits well but you may need an adapter plate to change from square bore to spread bore ( or the other way around). I'm still using the stove pipe choke, but electric choke would probably work better. I still have my Quad, may sell it if the price is right. Its original. I have no idea what its worth. Terry
Former Member
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Sarasota, FL - USA
Joined: 5/16/2005
Posts: 41
Vette(s): 1968 LeMans Blue convertible / 4 speed / with a 1969 350/350hp engine,factory sidepipes, I added a AM/FM AC Delco 8 trax for feel THE 68 IS SOLD AND NOW I HAVE A '97 C-5 / 6 speed HELL OF A VETTE !!!!


Former Member
Send PM
Sarasota, FL - USA
Joined: 5/16/2005
Posts: 41
Vette(s): 1968 LeMans Blue convertible / 4 speed / with a 1969 350/350hp engine,factory sidepipes, I added a AM/FM AC Delco 8 trax for feel THE 68 IS SOLD AND NOW I HAVE A '97 C-5 / 6 speed HELL OF A VETTE !!!!
It looks like a Q-jet and does'nt need an adapter the part # 080555C 650 CFM, spread bore,non emissions with vacume secoundaries and elec. choke. I had a problem with height with the Street Advenger,but this one bolted right on!!!!

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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