Video: Trouble-Shooting a Quadrajet Carburetor on a 1979 Camaro Z/28

Dealing with a car that’s not running right is always a bummer, especially when it’s a fueling issue. But thanks to one of V8 TV’s latest videos, you can have your popular Quadrajet carburetor checked over and fixed, and be back out on that road in no time. Check out the video above.

quadrajet_problem_solving_2Starting a car on carb cleaner is an old mechanic’s trick that many of us are familiar with. But getting your car running that way won’t solve your problems. After all, we don’t all have the means to keep squirting carb cleaner into the vent to keep our car running down the road. So, while this may be a quick fix to get a car started, it’s not a long-term solution. Therefore, the carb needs to be looked at.

As Trevor of V8TV points out, Quadrajets are vastly popular on carbureted vehicles. The bad part about that is that they tend to get rebuilt time and time again because they’re no longer manufactured. This can result in a number of problems.

quadrajet_problem_solvingWhen it came to the 1979 Z/28 V8TV was working on, the Quadrajet was well worn, showed some signs of rust and dirt seepage and ended up containing the wrong fuel filter. But this wasn’t the only issue.

quadrajet_problem_solving_3One major finding was that the carburetor’s upper plate was significantly warped, probably from the over-tightening of its bolts and screws throughout its life. To fix this, Trevor bent the carb casing back using some wood blocks and a plastic covered hammer. Once the plate was near flat, it was then filed to a perfect straight edge.

The screws and bolts were then properly tightened on the Quadrajet to prevent any leaks but also so they weren’t over tightened.

The other problem V8TV found with the carburetor was it was missing its needle valve retaining spring. This is why the carburetor was not getting fuel when the Z/28 was brought in the shop. To fix this, a new retaining spring was installed. This will allow the needle valve to move out of its seat when the float drops in the carburetor and release fuel into the carburetor.

quadrajet_problem_solving_6As Trevor points out, it’s always important to take your time and know what you’re doing when working on your car. But with tips like these and a basic knowledge of your own vehicle, you can keep everything running smooth in the future!

About the author

Lindsey Fisher

Lindsey is a freelance writer and lover of anything with a rumble. Hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles - she's owned and driven it all. When she's not busy writing about them, she's out in her garage wrenching away. Who doesn't love a tech-savy gal that knows her way around a garage?
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading