I checked the fuel filter on the q-jet on my 87 about a week ago...it was filthy so I pitched it and just put an inline fuel filter between the pump and the carb...this is when the trouble started. Now the carb is filling with fuel and overflowing...I've never seen anything like it. and to boot my timing is somehow off, I'm pretty sure that's just the ECM trying to compensate. the timing isn't an issue though, I can fix that. but, has anyone ever seen a problem like this? any thoughts on a fix? also, I already tried putting a new filter in the carb and doing away with the inline...didn't change anything...

You probably had stuff in the line between your in-line filter and the carb. When you took the carb filter out, something got in the carb needle & seat, and it won't flush itself out as long as the bowl is full.

The best thing to do would be to pull the carb apart and clean it out. The next best thing would be to block off the fuel line, start the engine and run the fuel bowl empty, then reattach the line and see if the fuel flow will flush the junk out of the needle/seat. I've gotten the latter method to work, but eventually you should pull the carb apart.

I'll give it try. anything is better than this horrible idle and getting virtually 1 mpg. Although the filter and fuel line were new...guess it's still possible though. I cut the stock metal line out that ran from the pump to the carb and put in a rubber fuel line.

The stock in-carb fuel filter will by-pass by design when clogged. So, you may have been on the edge before the filter was replaced.

The check engine light comes on now...kinda wondering if there is a problem with the mixture control solenoid or something

I had gas leaking out the side of my q jet last year, i replaced the mixture control solenoid and the throttle position sensor and that fixed my problem.

thanks, I'll probably look into that. by-the-way, welcome to the board.