I have just replaced the computer controlled QJet on my 1984 Firebird with the 305 V8. I was thrilled that after a little cranking that the rebuilt carb from AutoZone actually fired and ran fairly well ffom the get-go. After warm-up I had to lean the mixture screws slightly and drop the idel just a tad, but everything seemed to be well adjusted from the factory for the most part. I have a few questions for those who know this carb better than I do.

1. The sheet that came with the carb says to adjust the TPS voltage after it's installed. Ok, I think I see the adjustment point at the accelerator pump pivot on top of the carb, pointing toward the rear of the engine. It's a small hole. What tool do I need to adjust this thing? Also, do I set it with the car running or the car off and the key on? And... do I just pierce the insulation for the middle and bottom wires to measure the voltage or is there a better way to hook a VOM to this thing?

A couple other questions-
1. This thing ran well except for a slight bog just off idle as I was accelerating. Could this be caused the the above voltage adjustment being out?

2. I tried to restart the car after it sat overnight. I couldn't keep it running this time without goosing the accelerator pedal. Sound just like I need to tighten up the choke setting and fast idle screw a little?
Thanks for any insights, I appreciate it.

Brad

 

I think the tps just adjusts with a screwdriver. Youll set it to around .6v closed and 4.6v wot with the key on and engine off. The easiest thing to do is use a sewing pin on the middle wire. Just press it in following the wire into the connector from the side where the wire comes out of the connector. Then just find a ground anywhere. You only need to probe the one wire.

The tps could cause you to have the slight bog on accel. NOt being able to keep it running sounds like something came out of adjustment.

 

Thanks dankhound, I appreciate the help. I'll try the needle as a probe idea and set this puppy. I tried to push the VOM probes in beside the connectors, but it's too well insulated at the plug to get a reading.

I did fire it up yesterday and found that after spraying some carb cleaner around the base gasket, that I evidently didn't have it tightened down tight enough and had a slight leak. It still won't stay running without holding the accelerator down.

I'll try the TPS adjustment first and then see if tightening up the choke a little or setting the fast idle screw a bit higher may help. I did notice that there was fuel way up by the hangers and rods at the top of the airhorn!!!!! I was shocked, but it dropped back down and never did it again. Hopefully I can get this thing adjusted and running well. If not, it's time to rip out the computer stuff and go old school with a non CC carb and regular HEI distributor!

Again, thanks!
Brad

 

That intake leak maybe be your only problem with the starting. Id try fixing that first and worry about the other stuff once you get it idling nice.

 

Thanks again dankhound, I'll have time to try this in a few days as my work schedule is terrible this week.

I did find out after some really close examination that the adjustment screw for the TPS is actually an "allen wrench headed" screw! I'll need a very very small allen wrench socket to fit down in this tiny hole to adjust it. It should be very interesting to try and find. I was told that NAPA had these, but our NAPA has never heard of them. ANYONE know where I can find this tool?

Thanks again.
Brad

 

It's about the smallest one in a set of allen wrenches. I bought one years ago at car quest. Not sure now if it was standard or metric. I know that on the tpi throttle bodies it takes a torx bit.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks Trickster. This screw has a "socket head", so I'll need a female type socket to fit over the head of this thing. Off to Sears I go tomorrow to see what their smallest size of socket is!
Thanks again.
Brad

 

The smallest standard socket that you will find at sears is a 5/32" and the smallest metric socket is a 4mm. It has been awhile since I have dealt with tuning a carburator.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hello Firebird1984,

I stopped by the local NAPA store today and got to talking to the counterman and explained what you were looking for. Here is what we came up with, the tool is called a GM Computer Controlled Carburator Socket set. The NAPA part number is 700-2003 and goes for $24.95 plus tax. It is a four socket set and has sockets for adjusting the idle air, fuel/air, TPS, and one other one. Hope this helps!!!!!

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks Trickster. I did find the kit on the internet late last night. I called our NAPA this AM to find that they don't know what I was talking about. They state that they can't get these tools any longer. Perhaps we just have a retarded NAPA dealership, but I wasn't impressed at all with the help I received. They seemed all too eager to just say "we can't get it" and drop it there. I may need to get a call off to a neighboring town's NAPA to get these things, or order them over the internet. I found out that they are made by Thexton Corp. and they have an internet site that I may just get them from. Thanks for the help on this. Sure wish I had your NAPA in our town!
Brad

 

Hello Brad,

The tool is listed in their parts catalog and also in their computer. If you give them the part number I sent you they should be able to find it in their computer provided they can pull their heads out of their A$$ long enough to do it. The guys I have dealt with have been there a long time and know their stuff. Granted, I had to rattle a few cobwebs loose before it dawned on them what I was talking about. But after that they were very helpful in assisting me..

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks Trickster,
I shall try yet one more time (third time has to be the charm as the old saying goes) with NAPA. If not, it's on to the Internet ordering system for me with this one. I need to get this beast back on the road to take advantage of a special deal on a trans rebuild. I'd really like to get my trans from leaking on the floor. I'm really disappointed as the guy I bought the car from said that it was already housebroken!

I'll keep ya posted on how this comedy of errors turns out!
Brad

 

To give you an idea of how simple it was to find it on the website, go to the link below. It is the napawebsite, you will find three search catalog blocks on the left hand side in the center one that says NAPA part number, type in 7002003 and click on "GO".

Had to edit the link.

http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/nc...age.d2w/report



The Trickster

 

Yup, works like a charm. Now if I can get the local NAPA folks to actually do the same thing and order it. If not, I'll order it directly. They likely have this thing in stock, but keep denying that it exists in our space-time continuum (as they say on Star Trek).

Thanks for the help. You southerners just know how to get things done! If it gets any colder up here in the great white north, I may be moving your direction! Hmmm.. a place where it's warmer and the local NAPA people actually can look things up... not quite heaven, but worth considering!

Brad

 

Ok, we have ignition... at least on the tools! My NAPA (aka- Not All Parts Available) store actually came alive at the mention of the stock number and ordered the tools from Columbus, Ohio. Stock number 700-2003 got the job done. I got them late today and will go after this puppy tomorrow (too cold tonight to try it). Thanks for the help Trickster and dankhound. I appreciate all the moral and research support!
Brad

 

See, you just have to slap them with the facts from time to time just to get their attention. Anyway, was glad to help out.
Cheers dude!!!!!!!!!!
BTW, it might not be as cold here as it is where you are. But it isn't exactly sunbathing weather here, frostbite comes more to mind at the moment.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!