EMC or Carb Issue??

[criegs]

ECM or Carb Issue??

I need a little help here, I have a 1981 C3 automatic trans. I started the car and it ran fine, after I left the driveway and down the road it started to hesiate on acceleration, I let off pedel and idiled fine. I feathered her back home got it in the garage and she stalled and was hard starting after that. I disconnected the weatherproof connector to the Qjet carb and she fired right up and ran down the road great. I was thinking I disconnected the ECM from the carb which seemed to allow the car to run better.

Anyway my question

1. Could this be a failed ECM or Q-jet carb problem?
2. Could any damage come from the plug being disconnected from the
q-jet.

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided

 

[vietvet]

i was having all kinds of problems with my 81. fought it for 6 months until i gave up and took it to a mechanic that knows about the electric quadrajets. sometimes it would run great and then it wouldnt idle, would hesitate and eat gas like pouring water out of a boot. the 81 will run with the ecm unhooked and electric connections at the carb also unhooked. but on mine performance and miliage was terrible. mechanic put a new ecm and a new m/c solenoid ( napa has them ) in the carb and adjusted the carb correctly. havent had any problems and vette runs as good as a 81 will. is the check engine light on????? mine wouldnt even come on with the key in the on position. now everything is working fine. ran the timing up to around 12 degrees btc which made it a bunch more responsive. good luck, vietvet

 

[criegs]

Thanks for the information, I may need to go the same route and replace the ECM. I seen it was replaced already with a NAPA unit at one time.

 

[Mr. Chuck]

Thanks for the information, I may need to go the same route and replace the ECM. I seen it was replaced already with a NAPA unit at one time.

My 81 Carb is the original, when I purchased it new in 81, late 2008, car failed Cal SMOG and was after running on shut down. Found local old time GM mechanic, he rebuilt carb, replaced all the original, worn-out electrical control components. Car passed SMOG in a walk and now starts like new and runs as well. Since your Vet has a newer ECM, I would have the carb checked out before replacing ECM again and it may be less expensive, especially if the carb is high milage.