Quadrajet Choke Question

[DreamRyder1963]

We got my buddy's 69 c20 running and driving but it does not want to idle for anything. I don't know if it will idle once it warms up since we have not be able to get it hot. I noticed that the choke does not seem to shut all the way and when the engine starts the choke does not slowly open, instead it just flaps around. Does the part I circled need to be attached to a 12v source? The motor is a 350 from around 86 with a stock intake.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by DreamRyder1963

We got my buddy's 69 c20 running and driving but it does not want to idle for anything. I don't know if it will idle once it warms up since we have not be able to get it hot. I noticed that the choke does not seem to shut all the way and when the engine starts the choke does not slowly open, instead it just flaps around. Does the part I circled need to be attached to a 12v source? The motor is a 350 from around 86 with a stock intake.

Don't know much about quadrajets because I have a thing for Holley's but the choke works the same way. Underneath the plastic cover is a bimetal spring with a loop on the end. The pin on the choke arm must be inserted into that loop or the choke won't work. That spring is what keeps the choke plate from "just flapping around" so I suspect that is your problem.

[DreamRyder1963]

That's my problem I try not to work on quadrajets, I prefer Holleys. I have seen others without it hooked up so I wanted to double check.

[michael bustamante]

On my 84 theres a positive wire on the choke

[kenn]

Hello Yes that is were 12v is hooked up but there are adjustments that need to be made as well. The voltage expands the coil (spring) and moves the choke plate if it is hooked up.

[DreamRyder1963]

I will hook it up to 12v and recheck it. I know on Holleys the negative wire also connects to the choke, but I don't see a spot for one on this carb.

[kenn]

The ground is thru the housing.

[mechanicalman]

Even with the wire hooked up, as it's supposed to be, it shouldn't just "flap around". Something else is amiss, like Fitz said, the bi-metal spring might not be on the choke shaft. Check that first, it's the easiest; but if it has rivets instead of screws holding it together then they would have to be drilled out and replaced with screws. Next, the arm from the choke butterfly going down to the choke shaft could be either gone or off the Bottom part that floats on the choke shaft, look at your picture for what to expect to see on the top half. It's kinda tricky to get on if you have had the carb apart but have patience. Yes, I'm a "Q-Jet Man". LOL

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

Yes, I'm a "Q-Jet Man". LOL

I don't feel your pain!

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by Fitz

I don't feel your pain!

Hey now! None of that "Holley Folly" LOL

Worked at GM dealers for years, anything gets easy after you do it enough times in a row. Actually I like AFB's and AVS's the best; they are the simplest and easiest IMO. I rebuilt an AFB on my Pontiac when I was 17 and it actually worked. Never got into Holleys, but they are the most popular racing carb in history, IMO. You tend to like whatever you cut your teeth on, you know, nothing is better than Mama's cooking!

[c3006]

Tons of info here,helped me get mine right.
http://www.florida4x4.com/tech/quadrajet/index.php