The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Quadrajet Rebuilding

Finally, I'm trying to get my '59 Apache on the road. All new brakes, lines, master and wheel cylinders. The gas tank has been boiled out and coated at a local radiator shop. Gas is getting through the fuel pump and to the carb, but that's it. When I open the throttle the jets are not spraying any fuel. The inline filter is new, so it looks like a thorough cleaning and rebuild is necessary.

Many years ago a previous owner had (very poorly) installed a 350/400 turbo drivetrain. That explains how my '59 Chevy got hooked up with a Quadrajet.

Over the years, I've had mixed results with rebuilding carbs, and I've never tried a Quadrajet so wish me luck. I did buy what looks like a good book on the subject and tomorrow I will order my kit.

I am aware that for many years Quadrajet's have had a bad reputation, but that's what the truck came with and I'm determined to make it work for now.

Anyone want to share their experiences rebuilding one of these?

John

Get a rebuild gaskit kit new neadle and seat and set the float height Put a new Accelerator Pump in and give it a darn Good cleaning then clean it again, then Make darn Sure the Neadle is on the float so you will get fuel Been there Found that out LOL There a Great Carb U will be very happy with it Aslo Check your fuel Pressure you do not need 50 PSI about 5 Is all you need .

John, be sure to carefully examine the plugs in the metering jet 'wells'. If you turn the disassembled main body over, the metering well plugs will be the highest things you see. If these wells are cracked, gas will trickle out of these cracks, go into the base plate, and on into the intake manifold. This makes the engine run richer than it is supposed to and also drains the fuel bowl, making starting the engine a 'cranking' experience.

You can fix the suspect plugs with JB Weld.

Link for ya'. Good info here.

http://www.florida4x4.com/tech/quadrajet/

Second best (opinion) four barrel for street use ever produced.

Two really good books availablelisted in the order published:

(1) Rochester Carburetors by Doug Roe and Bill Fisher
(2) Modifying Rochester Quadrajets by Cliff Ruggles

Have fun.

Jon.

Quadrajet's have had a bad reputation

Mostly among people who should keep their hands in their pockets.

I started attending factory schools on Q-jets a year or so after they were introduced. After some growing pains with an oddball inlet needle valve design the first year of production, they became one of the best-engineered carbs on the market. It is essential that you make all the adjustments specified, in the right order, as you rebuild one. There are literally hundreds of different calibrations for specific engines, so be sure the carb you have was designed for the engine it's on. Part number matching to the application is critical. The best Q-jets are probably the early 1980's models just before they went to electronic mixture control. Those carbs have the benefit of almost 20 years of production to get all the bugs worked out.
Jerry

Shoot me an IM- - - -I think I still remember how to do it!

Jerry

As Racecarl said, the plugs in the bottom were a big problem back in the day. Check them carefully and JB weld as needed. Lots of nooks and crannys so be sure you get it really clean.

The leaky plug design was changed in 1968. 1968 and newer plugs rarely leak. The 1967 and earlier plugs leak.

Jon.

I bought the second book, and ordered a rebuild kit from the Author's website. I also noticed that he has a forum for carburetor questions.
Hopefully my kit will be here before the weekend as I'm anxious to try and tackle this one. In the past, I've always just bought a kit and went at it. This time I'm going to utilize all information that I can get my hands on.
Thanks to everyone for all of the input, I'll be sure and post my results.

John

I like the quadrajets. When properly set up they are a mighty fine carb.

You do have to pay attention to detail as HOTROD pointed out. But they can perform well and also be economical on fuel too.

I get to build a lot around here because no one around here likes to work on them. But they really aren't that bad if you take your time, and make sure they are clean.

You'll be happy that you did, like everyone else noted epoxy the plugs. Every time I pulled one down and after cleaning I just made it a habit to epoxy the plugs.

You did good going to Cliff Ruggles, I know cliff, he's a straight shooter and builds killer carbs. His kit will have what you need along with his book.

Best advice I can give is what you all ready have, clean it, then do it again, they don't like dirt ! Also, be sure the primary metering rods hit the holes and the secondary rods stay on the hanger. The rest is simple assembly.

Joe