73 GMC Sierra 350 Quadrajet Carb ???

[LouBoxer]

I have a 73 GMC Sierra 350 with a quadrajet. I believe the carb needs cleaning/rebuilding.
1.Where is a good place to get a rebuilt cheap.
2.Also Is there another carb that I should consider besides the quadrajet that would bolt right on???

[73chevyman]

junk the rotchester and get a 1400 edelbrock problem fixed

[donut]

What's your mechanical ability? A quick overhaul on a q-jet isn't that bad. (and when running correctly, hard to beat.)

I don't know of any good rebuild shops, cheap.

An Edelbrock will work (I believe), but personally I haven't tried it.

[LouBoxer]

Thanks for the replies
Well my mechanical ability is good on motorcycles, atvs, snowmobiles but I am not to confident in rebuilding this because its on my plow truck and when it snows I really need this to work right.
The truck has run great the last few years but this year something happened. I changed the filter but it didnt help. I have to pump the foot pedal fast to get it to move now. It seems like its not getting gas.

[donut]

My q-jet works great on my plow truck.
Is the carb getting fuel? How bad was the old filter (if you could see it)?
Are you running on old gas? This new stuff with all the ethanol seems to really suck up the water.

My first guess would be the carb sucked up some dirt and is now partially clogged internally. Personally, I'd go a little more into it and find out exactly what's wrong. I honestly couldn't say (with the information given) that a new carb would do anything for you.

When I first got my truck, it was doggy, and it was crud in the carb. A 20.00 rebuild kit, and some carb cleaner and patience got it through the next couple of winters. Of course, I was only doing my own driveway.

BTW, Welcome.

[C10Silverado79]

If you can work on bikes, you can rebuild a q-jet. I just rebuilt mine about a month ago. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Take your time and it's no big deal. Mine went back on the truck and is running great. HERE is a link to the thread I started to get some advise on the rebuild.

[LouBoxer]

I am only doing my driveway as well and its been a great truck for the last 4 winters.
I may give it a try myself. If it were a bike Id say the main jet was plugged as it idles fairly well but you have to pump it to get any gas to it for power. I have an electric fuel pump on it and its pumping plenty of fuel.
I have a few questions.
1. What rebuild kit should I buy. Is there a difference or just call napa and get one??
2. Is the book necessary and helpful??
3. Do I need to buy a new float or is there one in most kits??

[new2trucks]

Its not difficult at all, Just start out with a clean work area and start from the top of the carb and work you way down Quadrajets seem to be fairly easier to disassemble and resamble. I have used Pepboys rebuild kit and it was pretty complete, And usually they dont come with a new float, so just check yours for cracks and if there is any usually you can get away with soldering them up if it is a brass float.

[85Bowtie]

Diagnosing carb problems when dealing with a Quadra-Junk is a waste of time. Ditch it and grab you a spreadbore Edelbrock OR swap your intake for an Edelbrock Performer with a 1406 carb and you'll be happy with factory performance.

[donut]

LouBoxer, there should be some numbers either stamped on the carb or on a tag (?) They can help the parts guy drill down the correct rebuild kit for you.

Something to remember. Any carb just meters fuel/air. Different names may do it a little differently, but your lawnmower carb has the same basic function. You said if it were your bike, the main jet would probably be clogged, very well could be a similar situation with the q-jet.

For a plow truck I wouldn't rule out a re-man q-jet. (if your current one is BAD) iirc my re-man was about 50.00 cheaper than the Edelbrock, this was a local chain parts store.
Not great, not top of the line, but I don't see a plow truck making to many dragstrip passes.

[LouBoxer]

Took the carb off today. Thought I would call my local mechanic and see how much he wanted to rebuild it. He said $50 plus the kit. I figure its money well spent to avoid messing with it when its 20 below outside and especially since I dont have a decent parts washer and I just use a bucket on the smaller carbs.

I am putting in a inline larger fuel filter as well should I get rid of the one inside the carb or use both????

[fire120ball]

It can never hurt to use both,

[Damien]

I would have a new float put in the carb while it is apart. It isn't something you want to come back to bite you a few months from now. What part of MN are you in?

[LouBoxer]

Thanks for the help everyone.
I am in Southern MN also Damien.

[87Bob]

Before you rip into the carb have you checked to see if your fuel pump is ok? It may not be pumping the way it should and all the carb work in the world won't help. Don't ask me how I know

[RoughKuntry]

Just now taring into the 4 Barrel Rochester Quadrajet it's spitting up hot fuel & pushing steam out. I'd say time for a rebuild. Not only doing that but leaking fuel all over the block, yes, my 73 GMC 3/4 Ton Super Custom has been sitting for maybe 5 years or more. But She kicks hard in 4 high, scared my best friend before the carb went sound in a matter of hours.
popped the hood, and my carb is having a tantrum. I swear this thing is temperamental, I still figure she is P***ed at the fact I laid into her with a stump Sunday. I have changed Oil, Antifreeze, Spark Plugs, Fuel Pump, Battery, Spark Plug Wires, and few other parts. but I really don't think that the carb should be spitting out hot fuel when you try to turn over the truck. or Should it?