fuel overlaod

[James A. Lloyd Jr.]

hey guys, 427/390 68 vette, starts 99% of the time ok, but twice (last time 15 minutes ago) it loads up with fuel , out of the carb. and onto the intake , and i mean lots of fuel. had no foot on pedal, usally starts with out any gas pedal action.
what is it?????

[William C.]

Re: fuel overlaod

Stuck float or float that has absorbed Gas and become heavy, thus not sealing the needle/seat. Common problem with older Quadrajets. I'd start with a new float and go from there.

[Joe L.]

Re: fuel overlaod

Bill and James-----

Almost without a doubt that's the problem. I'd rebuild the carb with a carb kit which includes a new needle and seat assembly and DEFINITELY replace the float at the same time. A repair kit for your, particular, carburetor is no longer available from GM. However, I think you'll be able to find one manufactured by Borg-Warner or others. The float is still available from GM under GM #7037705.

By the way, you can test the float to confirm that it's the problem. To do this, set the float on a flat surface with the bottom (slanted) surface down. If the float will remain in this position without "dropping down" on the lever side, it's ok (although I'd still replace it, anyway). I'll bet that there's NO WAY that the float will remain balanced on the bottom without "dropping down" on the lever side. NO WAY, at all.

[James A. Lloyd Jr.]

Re: fuel overlaod

great , a local mech. who works on my trucks said the same thing, thanks a lot guys. God Bless

[Clem Z.]

make sure that the needle clip is

installed to the float at the proper place because if not it will cause flooding because sometimes the needle will get bound up in the needle seat and not close correctly. also these older carbs start to flake off the plating in the fuel filter area and you must solder a fine screen to the bottom of the needle seat to keep the flakes out of the needle/seat