[ap72]

If your leak is there those plugs should read leaner than the rest, or be wet if its so lean its not even firing at times. If it is a vacuum leak, and you do fix it, return the carb to stock settings and adjust from there.

[hauss667]

Originally Posted by ap72

If your leak is there those plugs should read leaner than the rest, or be wet if its so lean its not even firing at times. If it is a vacuum leak, and you do fix it, return the carb to stock settings and adjust from there.

I'm going to pick up the intake gaskets at work today and swap em tomorrow, I'll post results. I'm not trying to disregard your cleaning idea ap I just have a gut feeling its not in the carb. If this doesnt work then I will take the carb back apart as you suggested thank you for your replies and as always cobalt its been a pleasure lol

[ap72]

It very well could be a vacuum leak, be sure to use a good sealant on the gaskets when you do them. Hopefully one way or another you get this fixed.

[hauss667]

Originally Posted by ap72

It very well could be a vacuum leak, be sure to use a good sealant on the gaskets when you do them. Hopefully one way or another you get this fixed.

I was always taught not to use a sealant on the intake gaskets, the rubber ones yes, but not the ones where it mates to the heads, should I use some there also? And if so what would you recommend?

[ap72]

Originally Posted by hauss667

I was always taught not to use a sealant on the intake gaskets, the rubber ones yes, but not the ones where it mates to the heads, should I use some there also? And if so what would you recommend?

I just use black rtv, I believe cobalt uses 3m window sealant or something like that. I've never had a problem with a good even smear of black rtv. Be sure both mating surfaces are clean and dry though.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by hauss667

I was always taught not to use a sealant on the intake gaskets, the rubber ones yes, but not the ones where it mates to the heads, should I use some there also? And if so what would you recommend?

Here's some recent info on installing gaskets. You can search for more.

[hauss667]

Thanks for the info guys, that goes against everything I've been taught, its like theres a whole new world out there lol. I've always used something called "the right stuff" by permatex, I think I'll give that a try

[hauss667]

So it may just be that I'm exhausted but i'd like some input on the situation. So I replaced the manifold gaskets and put a new intake on it, I had an edlebrock air gap laying around, and got everything back together and tight and leak free. I got the engine to run decent and just on the factory settings for the carb, no more four turns out lol. It was running okay but not smooth, I had around 12-14 vacuum at idle and 18 when I hit the throttle, it would even idle In gear just fine. But the thing that bothers me is it wouldn't smooth out, almost like I had a lumpy cam. Now I can't do anymore until tomorrow because as I was putting the air cleaner on for a test drive and it died, then I found out my fuel pump wouldn't even pump fuel up to the carb. So do you think the rough issue was the fuel pump going out or does it sound like I still have a gremlin in there somewhere?

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by hauss667

So it may just be that I'm exhausted but i'd like some input on the situation. So I replaced the manifold gaskets and put a new intake on it, I had an edlebrock air gap laying around, and got everything back together and tight and leak free. I got the engine to run decent and just on the factory settings for the carb, no more four turns out lol. It was running okay but not smooth, I had around 12-14 vacuum at idle and 18 when I hit the throttle, it would even idle In gear just fine. But the thing that bothers me is it wouldn't smooth out, almost like I had a lumpy cam. Now I can't do anymore until tomorrow because as I was putting the air cleaner on for a test drive and it died, then I found out my fuel pump wouldn't even pump fuel up to the carb. So do you think the rough issue was the fuel pump going out or does it sound like I still have a gremlin in there somewhere?

The fp may have something to do w/it- you'll know soon enough if that's all of it. If not:

Have you rechecked the firing order, especially 5/7 (this is easy to do, don't assume it's right before you physically run the wires)?

Does the vacuum gauge needle jump rhythmically, like a miss or valve adjusted too tight?

Have you checked the initial timing? Adjusted the idle mix screws w/the vac gauge?

[hauss667]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

The fp may have something to do w/it- you'll know soon enough if that's all of it. If not:

Have you rechecked the firing order, especially 5/7 (this is easy to do, don't assume it's right before you physically run the wires)?

Does the vacuum gauge needle jump rhythmically, like a miss or valve adjusted too tight?

Have you checked the initial timing? Adjusted the idle mix screws w/the vac gauge?

Yes I had to remove the distributor to swap the intakes so I triple checked the firing order before I tried to star it

No it didn't seem have any real rhythm to it it just dropped down when idle dropped

The initial timing no, I still don't have a timing light, I'm so use to doing it by ear but I get paid in the morning and, funds allowing, I'll pick one up

[rcaston19]

get some else to do your carb work.

[hauss667]

Originally Posted by rcaston19

get some else to do your carb work.

Why? Theres nothing wrong with the carb?

[cool rockin daddy]

Pay no attention to the NOOB who said get somebody else to do your carb work. I'd extend a welcome to the board to him but I have a feeling a ******** like him won't be around too long for it to matter.

Follow Cobalt's advice and you'll be fine. You ain't the first and won't be the last to have a vacuum leak after changing a top end part.

[ap72]

Many autoparts stores will rent you a timing light for free with a deposit. if you're only working on that one engine it makes little sense to buy one. Also check for loose spark pulg connectors at the plug or cap side. Also possible arcing from the plug wires.

[malc]

I could´nt have done anything to my Quadrajet without Doug Roe´s book
Rochester Carburetors.

Not a Rochester, a Demon and me using the wrong gasket caused
unimaginable agony.
Be very sure of your carb rebuild before you go down the same
"tear the engine apart" route I did.