Carburetor Rebuild

[AutoDesign11]

I've got a 1982 Impala that is not running right now and I need to get it running. I figured out that I either need to replace the carburetor or rebuild it and right now I don't have the money to replace it. So I wanted to know if you had suggestions on what tools I may need in case there are a few special ones. Also if you have any suggestions on the best auto parts places to find the rebuild kits cheaper that would be appreciated. Or any suggestions on the rebuild itself.

[MagicRat]

A spray can or two of carburetor cleaner is handy. Also a compressed air source is needed, with a blow gun.
Basic smaller size screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted). You might need some very small Torx drivers, too.
Also, a small gasket scraper is good. Make sure you have a clean, well lit workbench. Have several small containers/dishes/saucers to keep all the tiny parts organized.

There are some sites on the Web that cover the basics. If you have a Rochester 4 barrel Quadrajet, look here for info.

Some advice....... the carb kit should come with an exploded diagram of the carb but likely will not come with instructions, so if the on-line info is no clear, get a manual that covers the procedure. HP Books has a decent manual for the Q-jet.

Also, the kit will likely not come with a new carb bowl float nor a new fuel filter. They must be purchased seperatly. You should replace both when you rebuild the carb.

Also, cut open the old fuel filter. If you find that it and the carb are full of rusty dirt, your gas tank may be rusty inside, and should be removed and cleaned out, or rust will damage the rebuilt carb.

These carbs have very small fuel filters which can plug up quickly in old cars with old gas tanks. It may be a good idea to get a big in-line filter and install it just before the fuel pump.

Speaking of the fuel pump, have you tested it for flow? It may be a good time to do so when the carb is off to make sure it pumps fuel nicely.

Finally, check the choke pull-off diaphram to make sure it's okay. When you have removed it, just suck on the end where the hose goes, to make sure it moves and does not leak air.

[AutoDesign11]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

A spray can or two of carburetor cleaner is handy. Also a compressed air source is needed, with a blow gun.
Basic smaller size screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted). You might need some very small Torx drivers, too.
Also, a small gasket scraper is good. Make sure you have a clean, well lit workbench. Have several small containers/dishes/saucers to keep all the tiny parts organized.

There are some sites on the Web that cover the basics. If you have a Rochester 4 barrel Quadrajet, look here for info.

Some advice....... the carb kit should come with an exploded diagram of the carb but likely will not come with instructions, so if the on-line info is no clear, get a manual that covers the procedure. HP Books has a decent manual for the Q-jet.

Also, the kit will likely not come with a new carb bowl float nor a new fuel filter. They must be purchased seperatly. You should replace both when you rebuild the carb.

Also, cut open the old fuel filter. If you find that it and the carb are full of rusty dirt, your gas tank may be rusty inside, and should be removed and cleaned out, or rust will damage the rebuilt carb.

These carbs have very small fuel filters which can plug up quickly in old cars with old gas tanks. It may be a good idea to get a big in-line filter and install it just before the fuel pump.

Speaking of the fuel pump, have you tested it for flow? It may be a good time to do so when the carb is off to make sure it pumps fuel nicely.

Finally, check the choke pull-off diaphram to make sure it's okay. When you have removed it, just suck on the end where the hose goes, to make sure it moves and does not leak air.

Alright, thank you.