Carburetor Leak

[86bowtie]

Gotta carb leak on my 86 Caprice Classic. Is a rebuild a good idea? Any suggestions would be great. Car is in the shop now, I was wondering should I have it rebuilt or replace it altogether. I know I definitely wanna drop in a new engine which might defeat the purpose of replacing it altogether. But hell, Im a newbie, what the hell do I know...

[PeteA216]

I'd replace it with a used carb if your planning on replacing the engine. Don't spend too much money. But something should be done. Thats exactly how engine fires can start.

[TommySS]

Where exactly are you leaking fuel from?

[86bowtie]

Thanks Pete. Tommy, I took the car by Meineke, because I thought maybe my muffler was going bad, because my exhaust is running loud, making a putter noise. One of the guys told me it wasnt the muffler but a leak in the carburetor.

I took it by the local shop, they fixed the leak in the carburetor and also replaced an air valve. After leaving the shop, I stopped at a light and she started to idle funny and act as if she wanted to cut off. This is what shes been doing before I took her in. I gave her gas at the light, and the tires peeled out very loud and finally she took off, after a moment of hesitation. She is definitely running louder out the exhaust as well and when she idles, its very shaky at times like she wants to cut off.

Im sort of baffled. Is it my muffler or exhaust? Or maybe is the tranny starting to slip? I definitely need some expert advice. Seems like its more than a carb leak or air valve, unless the carb needs to be replaced altogether. I dont know Tommy.

[TommySS]

Oh, THAT. There are check valves that screw into a stainless steel contraption that bolts on the exhaust manifolds.

They're supposed to channel air from the AIR (air injection reaction) pump into the exhaust manifolds.

When those valves go, hot exhaust gases go the other way and burn up the assembly they're connected (I'm tired and can't remember the name right now - but it's mo-fo expensive).

When mine went (twice in 20 years), it made the noise you describe.

[86bowtie]

Thanks Tommy. I'll keep you posted, should know something by mid-Monday.