If need a new Quad jet

whitevette01 · April 26, 2001

My 86 ElCamino is stored now but in future if decide

to occasionally drive will probably have to replace

the carb. Since new the factory unit has been warped

along the base. Past cure has been to double up

on the seals. They usually last about 5 years. Guess

could keep sealing but on last trip to shop 3 years

ago Tech said really should think about a new one.

Where is a good source for old Quad jets.

April 26, 2001

A lot of guys like those Quadrajunks, but I hate them. Unless this is a resto and you have to use the quad, I would buy a Holley. Holley carbs are much easier to work on and are usually cheaper than the Rochester.

Frank S · April 26, 2001

The problem I've found with the Holly carb's is that you are constantly having to adjust them because they are tempermental but seeing as how youe El Camino is an '86,you probably have a computer controlled carb and I have no idea how Holly's electronic products are.

Personally,I'd look into having a good mechanic shop rebuild it because if you can find someone who knows what they are doing,they can make that Q-jet better than any aftermarket replacement that you can find,IMO.

76BBSub · April 27, 2001

Actually, if the only problem is that the base is warped you can have the base decked to flatten it out. Shouldn't be too expensive, I know a couple shops that could do it locally (Houston). Your other alternative is to locate a *numbers matching* replacement. I know that for your case you are interested in preserving the numbers. Now, one thing to remember is that the numbers of interest are on the main body. If your throttle body (base) is warped, you could replace it with a comparable throttle body and re-use your body, and no one would be the wiser. I actually have several spare carbs, some of which are later models, so there's hope for your carb.

A well tuned, numbers matching QJet is a great fuel delivery system.

Jeff

April 28, 2001

Jeff,

Do you work on Q-jets? I'm just curious. I work on Holleys, Webers, and SUs, but I never took the time to learn Rochester. Are they as big of a pain as I imagine or am I just scaring myself?

76BBSub · April 30, 2001

Yeah, I've been messing with them for a couple years. Now I'm trying to get a collection of parts together for rebuilds and spares. The problem is that I have heard of many dishonest or overpriced carb shops, including the one I used for my Corvette. So I decided to try to become an "expert" on these things. I figure as FI becomes more commons it's going to get harder and harder to find QJet parts and people who can work on them.

Jeff

whitevette01 · April 30, 2001

That what plan to do, work with what got. Kept it

running for 15 years as a daily driver. Now that its

retired to the garage should be able to get another

15 with a rebuild and base worked on.

Its just going to require a little more research

when need to get something done.

Guess a question thats more to the moment is, for

vehicles stored how often should they be started.

My cousin sent some information on a fuel catayst

device that have in the tank which supposely !!!!!

perserves for a long period, will see????

Stored with premium fuel and keep it full, all other

fluids were change too. Chevy place said start once

a month and let run to operating temp. Also let the

A/C run during the time also. for the battery have

trickle charger.

76BBSub · April 30, 2001

That sounds about right. You may not actually need to run it every month, but I wouldn't stretch it out too much farther. One really important thing is to let it run even past when the temp gauge says its warm. You need to let the exhaust system fully warm up to prevent it from collecting condensed water and rusting inside. Same with the oil. If the oil isn't heated enough and held at that temperature then water will condense from the combustion process and acids form in the oil. You can get stuff called fuel stabilizer at any auto parts store. Put in as soon as possible after you gas up and it will preserve the gas for at least a year. I would also recommend checking tire pressure every few months and taking it out for a spin a few times a year. This keeps your wheel bearings and tires from sitting in the same place and getting flat spots. Drive very slowly the first mile or two to make sure the brakes, steering, etc are all working properly.

Jeff