I have a 1989 trans am with a 350 that is having some problems. White smoke sometimes starts coming out from what seems to be the passenger side of the engine (I have a separate thread for that though). Yesterday I drove the car for about 10 minutes and after I got back, I turned it off and turned it back on, that's when it started smoking again. I then saw fuel leaking from the carb.I'm not sure if the two are related. I don't know much about carbs , do I need to replace it? Here's some pics of where it was dipping or at least where I saw it drip from

 

What happened to your choke?

 

I'm not sure, that's how I got it. I should also mention it stalled on me while I was reversing and I have to pump the gas pedal to start it

 

I would definitely rebuild or replace that carb. Then work on smoke if it is still there.

 

I'd go for replace.

 

ok. What kind should I go with. Is edelbrock good and what type would I need? I was looking at some and they say 4 barrel, electric choke and some other stuff, but I don't know what any of that is.

 

Quadrajet is actually a really good carb and can be upgraded to support lots of power. If you want aftermarket, I had a Demon and loved it.

 

I was looking at the Quadrajet ones, and they are pretty expensive. I just need something that works good and doesn't cost a lot.

 

You could rebuild or rebuild yours with performance parts for a whole lot less than any new one.

 

Rebuild kits are cheap and it is not hard to do. follow the directions and can be good as new in a day. Cost me 50 bucks for rebuild kits and 20 for parts cleaner. can't buy a new one for that kind of money.

 

He's already missing parts, so replacement is a better idea.

 

what am I missing? I know you mentioned the choke

 

First check your gas cap and make sure its VENTING.
If its fine you need a NEW Carb!

Go with the edelbrock!! -edl-1405
You will need the following parts:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/1405/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/15440/10002/-1

Thats it.
When you bolt the carb on, rember to screw the front screws in then back out 1 1/2 turns then find start the car.
bolt on easy read to go.

 

Would the leaking cause stalling and having to pump the gas pedal to start it? or is that just a bad carb

 

Looks like the same person "modified" the carb that wired the ignition system. A rebuilt Q-jet will be the easiest to fit. Even if that carb was all there, you would want to have it rebult professionally(about $150) because the rebuilder would replace the worn thottle shaft bushings. Holley sells a reman Q-jet that will bolt on. Just give them the numbers off that carb. The numbers they need are stamped vertically on the driver's side rear corner of the carb body.

 

The fuel is leaking from the throttle shaft bushings which can be common but not good. Because of this and the missing choke parts it is best to replace and a straight swap would be to do as he said above. Then just hook the choke up. Pumping the gas to start is normal for a carbed engine but should not be necessary immediately after shutting the warm motor off and restarting. If you need to pump the gas then then I would bet the carb is out of adjustment or timing.