Quadrajet fuel leak question

[Lou C]

I've got a question about Quadrajet fuel leaks...mine has been fine for the past 6 seasons since it was last rebuilt but today when I was running it on the water hose...I noticed two things...it started right up from cold but then on a hot restart it started reluctantly ( this engine was always a good hot starter) and then after I shut it off I noticed gas leaking from the area around the throttle shaft onto the intake manifold (good thing the engine was not really hot!). Anyway I know the Q-jets had issues with the casting plugs leaking but I also wondered if the float got heavy and was loading it up with fuel and then when I shut it off the gas puddled in the throttle bores and leaked out the throttle shaft...
Any ideas/suggestions?
I have rebuilt a few carbs in my day (1970 Ford Autolite 2100...various lawnmowers...weed wackers and snow blowers) but never anything as complex as a Q-Jet....

 

[Lou C]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

any ideas..

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

I'd take it off and check the float first. After you let it sit for a few minutes will it start right away??

 

[dan t.]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

Most likely a fuel soaked float,easy to change, try to find a brass one, good luck

 

[Lou C]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

I'd take it off and check the float first. After you let it sit for a few minutes will it start right away??

Yep it would ususally start OK there was only one out of about 10 starts where it didn't start right up...

I may just take it back to my mechanic who re-built it 6 years ago...

 

[John_S]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

and then after I shut it off I noticed gas leaking from the area around the throttle shaft onto the intake manifold (good thing the engine was not really hot!). ....

If it is the float, your throttle shaft/bushing are also probably worn. If it is leaking gas (bad), it is also probably causing a vacuum leak.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

If you feel like your throttle bushings are worn (not super likely) you can get bushing kits for them. I wouldn't think it's a big worry though since gas will find it's way through pretty tight spaces (think fuel water seperator). However if it does have significant play it would be worth poking at.

http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/bushings.html

And yes replace the float. He carries a good rebuild kit if you are up for it.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Quadrajet fuel leak question

Any marine carb that hasen't been rebuilt in 6 yrs is probably due anyway.