Author Topic: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP  (Read 7479 times)

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #15 on: August 01, 2019, 01:32:44 PM »
Too late Miner, it's probably being schmooshed into the landfill as we sit here. 

He went to the E-Word dark side.  :-[

Let's get back to dreaming of a perfectly jetted early model Qjet...

That being said, if it's still on your bench, start an auction! May the best man win!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline kj4ltc

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 20
  • Newbie
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #16 on: August 01, 2019, 02:44:45 PM »
I can’t guarantee or confirm that the carb is original to the truck.  There is no series number imprint or tag on this carb, I have sent several pics to quadrajetpower.com and they said it does appear to be a 17083224.  I would say the choke system had issues other than just the 12v power source as the electric choke on the Edelbrock works fine.  With the engine cold, my understanding is that a tap or press of the gas pedal should close the choke, after starting the pull off would slightly open and 12v to the coil would gradually open as it warms up.

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #17 on: August 01, 2019, 04:24:33 PM »
Thanks for the update, sorry it went to somewhat of a dead end.

You're spot on about the choke functionality, when they work it's a wonderful thing.

Common issue is when someone takes the element off behind the 3 screws, and doesn't re-align the spring with the actuating arm.

It just sits there getting hot and moving nothing.

Found this on your number: http://www.carburetion.com/CarbNumber.asp?Number=17083224

1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline kj4ltc

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 20
  • Newbie
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #18 on: August 01, 2019, 06:17:13 PM »
The spring was engaged on the arm, but regardless of temp the choke was not functioning.  I couldn’t get it to idle correctly.  I may get the q-jet rebuilt in the future or may do a LS swap.  My first plan was to keep the q-jet on it, but I needed the truck up and running pretty quick, so the Edelbrock performer got the nod. 

Offline blazer74

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 786
  • Newbie
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #19 on: August 01, 2019, 10:21:48 PM »
Going to keep it? You ship I’ll pay the ride.

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #20 on: August 02, 2019, 10:33:07 AM »
I'd bench test the 12v coil and see if it moves. Bet you a doughnut it's dead. 
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Stewart G Griffin

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3324
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #21 on: August 03, 2019, 10:34:37 AM »
I know exactly what a choke is for, what I don’t know is the best way to set choke and adjust carb.  Next thing you know you got keyboard warriors that would rather criticize then offer any help.  Either way the q-jet is off, Edelbrock is on and running flawlessly

kj4ltc - Good news, the reason Blazer74 and JohnnyPopper want your carb is because IF it is original to your truck, it is one of the most ideal rebuild & upgrade viable Qjets made. Forget all the nonsense about early 70's GTO carbs - early 80's truck Quadrajets are the best (for certain values of "best").

If you could read off the number from the vertical plate just behind the throttle shaft, likely 17085??? that would be ENORMOUSLY useful. Absent that, a quick photo showing the passenger side of the carb with the air cleaner off would help us solve your problem as well. Both would be best.

Assuming you have the E4ME referenced by BD earlier, that means an electric choke version and there are two fairly inexpensive solutions to your problem, all related to the choke. Based on one of your replies, I'm assuming that is what you have.
#1 - there may be no power to the choke to activate it, and of course then it doesn't work as intended. Remove the clunky power cable attached to the choke, start the engine and confirm using a multimeter that a full 12 volts is present at the choke. Low or no voltage means the electric choke won't work as intended.
#2 - If 12 volts are present in the cable, then the choke coil needs to be replaced, properly adjusted, and you'll have one of the better combined performance/economy carbs ever engineered. Yeah, I'm a Qjet fanboy - no excuses. I could go on, and on, and on about how superior they are to any substitute you might be considering or your buddy's are suggesting. Yes, they require slightly more knowledge and experience to realize their full potential, but I'm of the opinion it is all worth it.

Could you get into more detail as to why?    Not disagreeing as my Jeg's #15805 (same part# for Jegs and Summit) reman is an 84 truck core.


BTW, here is my original, non-remanufactured 83



And NOBODYS GETTING IT  ;D

Offline Stewart G Griffin

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3324
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #22 on: August 03, 2019, 10:38:21 AM »
You can send me that carb if it’s not remanufactured

Beat me to it Blazer!

Just curious, how much would you pay for an original 83 core?


Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #23 on: August 03, 2019, 04:53:19 PM »
How bout an unexpired can of pinto beans? What's in that glass on the far side?
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline kj4ltc

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 20
  • Newbie
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #24 on: August 03, 2019, 09:50:36 PM »
I’d be willing to bet that mine is an original 83 also, as it looks identical to yours.  I’d trade someone a 6L80 for it lol

Offline Stewart G Griffin

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3324
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #25 on: August 03, 2019, 09:58:35 PM »
How bout an unexpired can of pinto beans? What's in that glass on the far side?

Canned food doesn't expire, partner.

You'll have to excuse the dirty glass and table;   i was very busy.   Also, i don't drink that much monster, but i was working night shift at the time.

Offline Stewart G Griffin

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3324
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #26 on: August 03, 2019, 10:23:17 PM »
This just popped up on my 'Tube feed, too late though......

Can Youtube monitor what you are viewing online?   This is eerie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BTEdWt2V3s


Offline SilverMiner

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 53
  • Newbie
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #27 on: August 04, 2019, 07:43:57 PM »
kj4ltc - Good news, the reason Blazer74 and JohnnyPopper want your carb is because IF it is original to your truck, it is one of the most ideal rebuild & upgrade viable Qjets made. Forget all the nonsense about early 70's GTO carbs - early 80's truck Quadrajets are the best (for certain values of "best").

If you could read off the number from the vertical plate just behind the throttle shaft, likely 17085??? that would be ENORMOUSLY useful. Absent that, a quick photo showing the passenger side of the carb with the air cleaner off would help us solve your problem as well. Both would be best.

Could you get into more detail as to why?    Not disagreeing as my Jeg's #15805 (same part# for Jegs and Summit) reman is an 84 truck core.


Stewart - I'm an accolyte and student of the Cliff Ruggles school of Qjet worship, and he hammers home on his forum that the early 80's truck carbs (pre-computer) are the ideal base for rebuilding and optimal tuning to modern engine configurations. I'm afraid I can't quote chapter and verse on exactly why, but I've had such great luck with my carb after buying his book and following his recommendations that I just take it all as gospel now. What REALLY made me a convert was when I was able to set up a buddy's truck better than both he and his dad ever remembered it running. All because the primary hangers were bent and not even engaging the primary jets properly.
« Last Edit: August 05, 2019, 08:05:41 PM by SilverMiner »

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2555
  • Old Goof
Re: 1983 305 Quadrajet HELP
« Reply #28 on: August 05, 2019, 09:58:11 AM »
That's not an expiration date on your can of beans?  ;)

That youtube crap is freaky, and Yes boys and girls, 'they' are watching and listening...
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction