Need carb rebuild or replace advice

[CCCC]

Have run this nice 71 C20 for a few years with no carb issues - so never looked under the big K&N air filter or past the red "Edelbrock" logo on the front of the carb. Simply thought "first Edelbrock I've run on a SB350 and it is good".

Three days ago went to rough idle, then to no idle and fuel coming out of vents/accel pump opening. Uncovered it - looks like a Quadrajet with an "E" logo across the front - then found out that "E" had bought rights and was selling them as E Quads for a while. Guess I'm slow on such things.

Removed and opened it up as with any Q'jet (some things looked a little bit different) and found float/needle segment askew. Had no rebuild kit and nearest one is 75 miles or get from internet, so cleaned everything, checked bouyancy of float, made sure that the needle is seating and shutting off flow with float up, adjusted the float down a little, then put everyhting back together from memory, installed it and - the engine starts/runs fine at higher RPM, but will flood/quit near idle speed. Yes - fuel still is leaking from the carb.

Also noticed that there is no choke coil spring against the manifold with lever to carb to drive the choke plate. How does this Q'jet know to operate the choke lever/plate when the engine warms up?

In the past I have simply rebuilt the Q'jets. BUT - before I go buy a kit and try to cure the current issues, is there a better idea, even on a self-rebuild? Or, would you buy a rebuilt Q'jet from one of the 2 or 3 big advertisers on the net? Or, from whom? When you change from a Q'jet on these SBs, what carb is best to use and how does one deal with those big secondary openings in the manifold? I'm ready to learn some stuff and try something better. Thanks for any helpful insights.

[Mike C]

If it's been working fine I would just put a kit in it. Most likely any universal Q-jet kit would work.

You can probably even get all the pieces to get the choke functioning as it sounds like it just has been flopping around.

[geezer#99]

Was the float needle clip installed right when you took it apart and then put it back togethor. Like in this link about 1/2 way down the page. If not, that causes it to flood.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...4MV_carburetor

BTW that eddy is a 1904 if you need a kit for it.

[CCCC]

Thanks Mike C and geezer#99 - helpful stuff.

geezer - your cited article is simply excellent. It is bookmarked, and I will go to it, and the noted related writings, quite often.

In that the needle valve was loose in the carb when I removed the horn, I was not able to see on which side of the float end flange it had been hooked. I had no diagram for guidance, and may have re-installed that hook on the wrong side of the push flange. If so, that should explain the continued flooding. It will have to be opened up again anyway, so that will get checked.

I've had plenty of problem instances when dirt got between the needle and the seat, but don't think I've ever had a needle or seat wear out. Have you seen such problematic wear?

Mike - in that the "divorced choke" mounting site on the manifold has been covered with a nice plate and the carb definitely does not have an electric choke, I am thinking that this Ed 1904 may have what is referred to as a "hot air" operated choke. How can I determine that and how does one of those work?

Assuming that I will install a rebuild kit, is there a brand(s) that seems to be of better quality? Also - this is not a metal float - it is solid composite of some sort. Any issues there?

Thanks for all help.

[Mike C]

If Edelbrock still made rebuild kits that would be where I would start.

The Nitrophyl floats are not an issue usually.

I would see if you can get an electrical choke conversion for that carb. The hot air choke uses a tube that goes in the intake. Google should be able to provide some pics for you.

[geezer#99]

A pic of your carb, choke- side would help.
In this link there's a hot air choke.
http://www.vetteprojects.com/kstyer/quadrajet.htm

You might want this link too. Some of the info should apply to your carb.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=88376

[CCCC]

Thanks Mike, and geezer - good guys. I'm into the articles and on it.

[tdangle]

I have seen in quadrajets the float get heavy, even though it looks OK and cause the fuel level to be too high. I think the float absorbs some fuel after a while.