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Hard starting and fuel smell

jracer49420

Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2006
Messages
11
Location
hart, mi
Corvette
1974 stingray
I have a 74 with a Q4 carb. It's very hard starting after it sets for about 8 hours, and after driving and parking in the garage I can smell gas but there are no leaks. I was thinking of replacing the carb, but don't know what kind or model to get. My vette has a 350 cu engine that was just rebuilt. Any ideas? Thanks
 
I have a 74 with a Q4 carb. It's very hard starting after it sets for about 8 hours, and after driving and parking in the garage I can smell gas but there are no leaks. I was thinking of replacing the carb, but don't know what kind or model to get. My vette has a 350 cu engine that was just rebuilt. Any ideas? Thanks
Q jet Carbs with some age sometimes develop leaks in the 3 little lead plugs in the bottom of the float bowel!!! They will drip the entire contents of the Float bowel in the Engine and Flood them,or it just takes the pump a while to fill it back up before it starts!! Some times you can peen them and they will stop, and some times you can clean them up and JB weld (Reg, not JB Quick!!)them and they will stop!!!! But usually I end up drilling and replacing them!!:upthumbs
 
It's very possible that your carb is leaking internally and draining into the engine. Extended cranking is required to refill it and allow the engine to start.

Pull the carb off the engine after the engine has been stopped for a few hours and see if the intake is wet.
 
I had some similar problems. Had the Q-jet completely rebuilt and it runs great now!
 
If your in need of a rebuilder PM me and I can give your a guy in Youngstown Ohio that has rebuilt both of my tripowers..

Jim
 
These are what they looked like before..
1968corvette-deliveryday101.jpg

And after..
1968corvette-deliveryday118.jpg

havent started the 68 yet but he did a decent job on the 67..
 
I had mine rebuilt at A&G Carb in Oak Park Il. All they do is carbs. You can send it to him if you want. Good luck!
 

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