I finally got my new engine installed, with my old carburetor on it and it won't idle. I went and bought an Auto Zone Q-jet for $99.00 but I'm going to return it. Inside the box it said it was for 70-72 350 Pick ups and Passenger cars. The throttle linkage doesn't match up and I would have to bend my fuel line to come in sideways which I hate.(I'm a straightforward person) Is my old rusty linkage and crappy choke pulloffs the reason for it not idling. Should I just take it and have it rebuilt? The old original 800CFM always idled too low. I just want the thing to idle so I can drive it.
Production line rebuilt carbs are an UNQUALIFIED DISASTER even when they are "intended" for the vehicle you're working on. Trying to use one on a whole 'nother vehicle is an exercise in frustration.
Get yours rebuilt. By the way, your "old rusty linkage and crappy choke pull-off" probably have nothing to do with it not idling. Probably a vacuum leak or plugged internal passage...
Sounds like the $99 carb is for a chevy. Their fuel inlet is on the side. Also, it is unlikely that it is 800 cfm which is a nice carb for the 455. Also, is this for a 350 or 455? The idle passages are different (350 vs 455) and should not be swapped. Have the old one rebuilt. There are several excellent rebuilders listed on the board, do a search for "osborne" or "carb doctor". - Bill
If you describe the problem with the idle, I can help you fix the original carb. First, are you sure of the problem being the carb. How is the ignition timing? What about the cam timing? We need to check the basics before moving on. Who built the engine? Is it original? Let me know... Ray
