Quadrajet or Quadra-throw out the dang window!!

[Firedawg85]

I have seen many issues with the Quadrajet carbs on this forum, and using other peoples experience, I've been able to narrow down the problems, but I'm STILL having some issues tuning in my carb. I know it can be a great carb, but I'm still learning how to get it tuned in.

Here's the issue. Cold starts. In the morning, my truck takes 3-5 crank sessions of 10-15 seconds each to get Murphy(or so my wife has named it, relating to Murphy's Law) just about running with about 2-5 minutes of staying on the throttle to keep it running.

Once it's going, it runs. I stopped/started the engine 8 times in one morning and cranked up every single time. Although, it idles higher than "feels" right and kills the motor when cold, which leads me to a vacuum leak. Here's the skinny on my labors thus far.

1972 GMC 1500, Goodwrench 350(Stock), Quadrajet Carb w/ electric choke(Turned two notches to the rich side, verified operational), TH-350 Trans. Timing set to 12 degrees w/ vacuum tube removed during timing setting, running 87 pump gas, very mild aftermarket intake manifold, dual exhaust with some knock off aftermarket mufflers, fairly free flowing.

1. New Fuel Filter w/ the spring loaded stop valve built in.(No visible fuel leaks from tank to carb)
2. Rebuilt Carb, new gaskets, power piston, epoxied the plugs inside.
3. All vacuum ports either used or capped
4. Brand new fuel pump(1 week old)
5. New primary needle spring(It was missing it completely upon rebuild)
6. Checked for vacuum leaks with none noticeable
7. Both idle screws turned out 4ish full rotations
8. Secondary needles set to bottom out at zero throttle
9. Epoxied the 'plug/cap?" just outside the fuel line housing. The plug/cap sits dead center on the carb on the front(I thought there might be a leak there and the previous owner epoxied the same area.)

So, lump sum, hard starting in the morning(Dry carb bowl?) and idles low, idles high when at operating temp, but, runs well on the road and in gear/with a load.

Let's hear it ladies and gents, lay it on me!!!