Quadrajet Advice Please
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Car: 86' T/A // 77 T/A
Engine: 86=305 Carb LG4:: 77= Olds 455
Transmission: 86=700R4 :: 77=TH350
Quadrajet Advice Please
Hello all,
First and foremost I would like to say how much i've enjoyed reading posts here, I have been lurking for awhile, trying to learn more about my car. Which is an 86 T/A 305 HO with auto. This car is completely stock to my knowledge, with the exception of a catless exhuast system.
Heres my situation,
For a few reasons the car was parked for about a year...About 2 weeks ago I started driving it again, and from a dead stop or when cruising with your foot off the pedal and applying light throttle pressure she bogs down. This same thing also happens when you nail it of course. Now after you get over the initial bog...you can mat it and she runs fine...its just the initial bog.
I have ordered the haynes techbook for the quadrajet and am gathering the tools I'll need for working on it. I am a novice mechanic at best though, so it will def have a learning curve.
Does this sound like a accelerator pump problem to you guys? Welcome to any suggestions and input.
Thank you very much,
Bug
First and foremost I would like to say how much i've enjoyed reading posts here, I have been lurking for awhile, trying to learn more about my car. Which is an 86 T/A 305 HO with auto. This car is completely stock to my knowledge, with the exception of a catless exhuast system.
Heres my situation,
For a few reasons the car was parked for about a year...About 2 weeks ago I started driving it again, and from a dead stop or when cruising with your foot off the pedal and applying light throttle pressure she bogs down. This same thing also happens when you nail it of course. Now after you get over the initial bog...you can mat it and she runs fine...its just the initial bog.
I have ordered the haynes techbook for the quadrajet and am gathering the tools I'll need for working on it. I am a novice mechanic at best though, so it will def have a learning curve.
Does this sound like a accelerator pump problem to you guys? Welcome to any suggestions and input.
Thank you very much,
Bug
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 45
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Welcome aboard.
1st, a technicality: The chances of you having a real '86 HO are extremely slim, because they only made a very few of them. If the 8th character of your VIN is a "G", I'll shut up and move on.
Now, about your bog: It is either the accelerator pump, or a weak ignition system. With the engine off, remove the air cleaner (at least the lid). Open the throttle and look for two squirts of gas going into the front barrels of the carb (if the engine has been warmed up when you do this, the choke will be open - if it is cold, hold the choke open while you operate the throttle). If you get two immediate and healthy squirts, it isn't the accelerator pump. If you don't, you need to fix the accelerator pump, which most likely means a carb kit/rebuild.
If you get healthy squirts, a weak ignition can be caused by old plugs, weak plug wires, bad cap or rotor, weak coil, weak ignition control module, or inadequate timing advance. I've seen each of those cause similar symptoms.
1st, a technicality: The chances of you having a real '86 HO are extremely slim, because they only made a very few of them. If the 8th character of your VIN is a "G", I'll shut up and move on.
Now, about your bog: It is either the accelerator pump, or a weak ignition system. With the engine off, remove the air cleaner (at least the lid). Open the throttle and look for two squirts of gas going into the front barrels of the carb (if the engine has been warmed up when you do this, the choke will be open - if it is cold, hold the choke open while you operate the throttle). If you get two immediate and healthy squirts, it isn't the accelerator pump. If you don't, you need to fix the accelerator pump, which most likely means a carb kit/rebuild.
If you get healthy squirts, a weak ignition can be caused by old plugs, weak plug wires, bad cap or rotor, weak coil, weak ignition control module, or inadequate timing advance. I've seen each of those cause similar symptoms.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Car: 86' T/A // 77 T/A
Engine: 86=305 Carb LG4:: 77= Olds 455
Transmission: 86=700R4 :: 77=TH350
Thank you for the quick reply.
Well i checked my VIN number.... .and no, the 8th character is not a G, I was hoping when i first started checking but it turns out that the 10th one is a G as is the second. Oh well, thats sort of disappointing.....
I was having my doubts though after doing some reading on here because it has the dual snorkel setup and HO breather lid.....Which I guess is from a camaro..Now i wonder what engine it does have in it.
Thank you very much for the suggestions, I will do the accelerator pump check tomorrow and report back on the results.
Thanks,
Bug
Well i checked my VIN number.... .and no, the 8th character is not a G, I was hoping when i first started checking but it turns out that the 10th one is a G as is the second. Oh well, thats sort of disappointing.....
I was having my doubts though after doing some reading on here because it has the dual snorkel setup and HO breather lid.....Which I guess is from a camaro..Now i wonder what engine it does have in it.
Thank you very much for the suggestions, I will do the accelerator pump check tomorrow and report back on the results.
Thanks,
Bug
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 45
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
8th character is an "H", correct? LG4.
Someone knew enough to get ahold of a dual snorkel air cleaner. If it has been converted otherwise, you'll have larger exhaust (2.75" at the cat inlet) and a better cam. There isn't much else that's different (covered on the FAQ forum, look for "305" in the topic line).
Someone knew enough to get ahold of a dual snorkel air cleaner. If it has been converted otherwise, you'll have larger exhaust (2.75" at the cat inlet) and a better cam. There isn't much else that's different (covered on the FAQ forum, look for "305" in the topic line).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Car: 86' T/A // 77 T/A
Engine: 86=305 Carb LG4:: 77= Olds 455
Transmission: 86=700R4 :: 77=TH350
Yes indeed, Its an LG4 then. Thank you for the link and all your help so far.
Well, my book came in today, i'm currently readin through it. I'm gonna give this a try. Wost case scenario I fuzz it up and have to ride my bike a couple of days next week in the cold while i wait on a remanufactured one to come in. I really hope I can get it right through, not having to fork over $350 would be great lol
Thanks again,
Bug
Well, my book came in today, i'm currently readin through it. I'm gonna give this a try. Wost case scenario I fuzz it up and have to ride my bike a couple of days next week in the cold while i wait on a remanufactured one to come in. I really hope I can get it right through, not having to fork over $350 would be great lol

Thanks again,
Bug
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 87 Black Formula
Engine: Rollercammed Lg4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 Bolt Locker
Mine did the same when I bought it, and I just got a rebuild kit and fixed the accellerator pump. It was very evident when I dismanteled the carb, the small pump had excess free play in it.
After I fixed it the car would light the tires when I floored it from a stop! Lol
After I fixed it the car would light the tires when I floored it from a stop! Lol
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 87 Black Formula
Engine: Rollercammed Lg4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 Bolt Locker
Just regular screw drivers and a plier. I wasn't hsrd to rebuild, the instructions in the kit is good, but the gave me tha wrong kit, telling me to adjust thefloat hight to a too high level, ans some of the gaskets were a tiny bit wrong.
Tho only other problem I got was the long metal tubes inside the float had loosened over time, but I really had o just guss were tey were supposed to go... don't know if I got it right either actually.
Tho only other problem I got was the long metal tubes inside the float had loosened over time, but I really had o just guss were tey were supposed to go... don't know if I got it right either actually.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 45
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Originally posted by tilstad
Just regular screw drivers and a plier. I wasn't hsrd to rebuild, the instructions in the kit is good, but the gave me tha wrong kit, telling me to adjust thefloat hight to a too high level, ans some of the gaskets were a tiny bit wrong.
Just regular screw drivers and a plier. I wasn't hsrd to rebuild, the instructions in the kit is good, but the gave me tha wrong kit, telling me to adjust thefloat hight to a too high level, ans some of the gaskets were a tiny bit wrong.
Tho only other problem I got was the long metal tubes inside the float had loosened over time, but I really had o just guss were tey were supposed to go... don't know if I got it right either actually.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 87 Black Formula
Engine: Rollercammed Lg4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 Bolt Locker
Yes, it was the inside ones. I looked hard on the photos in the carb book I had, and punched them in were it seemed they were supposed to go.
But the thing that really bothered me the most, was that when I bought the rebuild kit, I asked specifically the counter guy if it was good quality or not, remembering my bad experience with a " Genuine James" gasket kit for my HD were almost none of the parts could be used, they were so bad, the accellerator pump diagfram seemed cut with a scissor, out of almost plastic..
But the kit I got for the Q-jet, the bowl gasket missed a part of it, so I hade to cut a bit out of the old one and glue it together. That and the instructions was way, way off. A couple of days after I checked my manual, and there it had completly different values, I mean, it was almost 3/4 of an inch difference!
Don't remember the manuf name, but it was nothing I have ever heard of, before or since, had a yellow logo or box...Not listed as a supplier either now, even though all shop people wore their shirts that day.
Anyway, the guy mad a big number out of it, yelling and saying I was rude even asking, and that stupid questions like had no place in their store.Buthole. The dikcs didn't even let me swap the fanbelt they sold that were wrong, saying it had to be returned within 2 weeks. Go with stock GM kit if you can get it.
But the thing that really bothered me the most, was that when I bought the rebuild kit, I asked specifically the counter guy if it was good quality or not, remembering my bad experience with a " Genuine James" gasket kit for my HD were almost none of the parts could be used, they were so bad, the accellerator pump diagfram seemed cut with a scissor, out of almost plastic..
But the kit I got for the Q-jet, the bowl gasket missed a part of it, so I hade to cut a bit out of the old one and glue it together. That and the instructions was way, way off. A couple of days after I checked my manual, and there it had completly different values, I mean, it was almost 3/4 of an inch difference!
Don't remember the manuf name, but it was nothing I have ever heard of, before or since, had a yellow logo or box...Not listed as a supplier either now, even though all shop people wore their shirts that day.
Anyway, the guy mad a big number out of it, yelling and saying I was rude even asking, and that stupid questions like had no place in their store.Buthole. The dikcs didn't even let me swap the fanbelt they sold that were wrong, saying it had to be returned within 2 weeks. Go with stock GM kit if you can get it.
Last edited by tilstad; Nov 15, 2005 at 02:16 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 87 Black Formula
Engine: Rollercammed Lg4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 Bolt Locker
Actually I have to re-rebuild my carb because of it, it now bogs and stops if I brake hard. The initial bog is gone though. Have any carb kit reseller or manufacturer you could recommend?
I need an online store though, since I'm in Norway.
I need an online store though, since I'm in Norway.
Last edited by tilstad; Nov 15, 2005 at 02:18 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Car: 86' T/A // 77 T/A
Engine: 86=305 Carb LG4:: 77= Olds 455
Transmission: 86=700R4 :: 77=TH350
Hey guys,
Due to time limiting factors last weekend I didn't get to attempt the full rebuild on the carb, however I did determine that the base gasket was leaking and replaced it....and now it runs much better than it did. Also the car was idling really high and we adjusted it down some. It still bogs slightly every once in awhle...but its alot better than it was. I'm gonna attempt the full rebuild this weekend...I feel much better about it....having it off, looking, identifying parts, and reading through the book a few more times has upped my confidence level significantly.
Oh, almost forgot, the accelerator pump was working fine when we checked it.
On a side note...the haynes book has a section talking about aftermarket computer upgrade chips.......i've never seen anyone mention upgrading their CC carbed car's computer before....and i'm sorta confused. Could someone clarify on this a bit?
Thanks,
Jbug
Due to time limiting factors last weekend I didn't get to attempt the full rebuild on the carb, however I did determine that the base gasket was leaking and replaced it....and now it runs much better than it did. Also the car was idling really high and we adjusted it down some. It still bogs slightly every once in awhle...but its alot better than it was. I'm gonna attempt the full rebuild this weekend...I feel much better about it....having it off, looking, identifying parts, and reading through the book a few more times has upped my confidence level significantly.
Oh, almost forgot, the accelerator pump was working fine when we checked it.
On a side note...the haynes book has a section talking about aftermarket computer upgrade chips.......i've never seen anyone mention upgrading their CC carbed car's computer before....and i'm sorta confused. Could someone clarify on this a bit?
Thanks,
Jbug
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 45
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
tilstad, try here: http://www.carburetion.com/Kits/Kitsbynumber.asp Enter your carb # in the search field. I assume they will ship overseas, although I can't say I know they will.
JBug, the factory used slightly different PROM tuning for LG4 vs. L69. The main difference is the spark advance tables. In 1999, I picked up a chip from JC Whitney, I've been running it ever since, they don't offer it anymore. I never have taken the time to put the original chip back in and see how it does.
The old factory 350 HO Camaro Conversion Kit with the ZZ4 engine also came with a different PROM (and computer, for that matter). As far as I know, the chip will fit in any CC carb computer. However, I believe they programmed out EGR with that system, so if you have something other than a ZZ4 cam with that chip, and need to pass emissions sniffer, you may get yourself into trouble with NOx.
I have wondered about trying DIY PROM tuning, but so far haven't been motivated enough to give it a try. Apparently, the software isn't readily available for it like it is for TBI and TPI PROMs. I read a thread where someone said they had the BIN for the ZZ4 kit chip, but they never said they were able to load it onto a chip and try it out. Or that they ever decoded it so they could custom program it.
JBug, the factory used slightly different PROM tuning for LG4 vs. L69. The main difference is the spark advance tables. In 1999, I picked up a chip from JC Whitney, I've been running it ever since, they don't offer it anymore. I never have taken the time to put the original chip back in and see how it does.
The old factory 350 HO Camaro Conversion Kit with the ZZ4 engine also came with a different PROM (and computer, for that matter). As far as I know, the chip will fit in any CC carb computer. However, I believe they programmed out EGR with that system, so if you have something other than a ZZ4 cam with that chip, and need to pass emissions sniffer, you may get yourself into trouble with NOx.
I have wondered about trying DIY PROM tuning, but so far haven't been motivated enough to give it a try. Apparently, the software isn't readily available for it like it is for TBI and TPI PROMs. I read a thread where someone said they had the BIN for the ZZ4 kit chip, but they never said they were able to load it onto a chip and try it out. Or that they ever decoded it so they could custom program it.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: Crestwood KY
Car: 86 Transmaro, yes I'm for real do a
Engine: 383, 4 bolt block, scat crank, PM r
Transmission: t5 NWC and its holding up behind my
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt aussie, 3.73s from yukon gea
Have any carb kit reseller or manufacturer you could recommend?
I need an online store though, since I'm in Norway.
BG fuel systems can take your q jet and you can give them your engine and car specs and they will build it just for your engine and car and intended use, and if I use another "and" I will tarred "and" feathered lol
I need an online store though, since I'm in Norway.
BG fuel systems can take your q jet and you can give them your engine and car specs and they will build it just for your engine and car and intended use, and if I use another "and" I will tarred "and" feathered lol
Originally posted by five7kid
. I read a thread where someone said they had the BIN for the ZZ4 kit chip, but they never said they were able to load it onto a chip and try it out. Or that they ever decoded it so they could custom program it.
. I read a thread where someone said they had the BIN for the ZZ4 kit chip, but they never said they were able to load it onto a chip and try it out. Or that they ever decoded it so they could custom program it.
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