Please help - she's choking on fuel

[bowlingbrad]

I'm very new to this so please be gentle...

I've just installed a rebuilt q-jet onto my 78 Trans Am with a 6.6L

It's very difficult to get the car to start.  She turns over and dies.

I keep my foot to floor and eventually she starts but I have to rev pretty high to get the car to stay running and idle.

Once running it's fine.  BUT if I turn it off, I have to go through the same procedure to get it running again.

I'm assuming with the puff of smoke and smell that it's running way too rich.

My questions:
Is there a thread that explains the idle screw/choke screw dial-in procedure?
I'm looking for specifics/pictures/step-by-steps because I'm really new.

Thanks in advance!

[StillLearning]

Welcome to the forum!
Most commercially rebuilt Q-jets are pretty bad, if not junk- mismatched castings, a "universal" approach to the build and cheap parts. That said I would strongly recommend the purchase and thorough study of Cliff's book to get a real feel for what a Q-jet really should be.
Also, consider building an unmolested carburetor. Cliff can supply you with quality parts and a baseline for how the carb should be built.
My suggestion- return the rebuilt and try the route I suggested. You will be very happy with the results.

[bowlingbrad]

Thanks for your response!
The book has already been ordered and should arrive soon!

I did get this one from summitracing.com.  They get them from a company called Uremco near my house.  I thought this would be a good one.

I have a couple friends who have some qjet experience but I'm impatient and want to drive my car NOW!  heehee.

Any suggestions on my original questions are welcomed.

[StillLearning]

Check the basics first: timing, vacuum hoses for leaks, linkages, etc. I would start with lowering the float level. Still wouldn't mess too much with the rebuilt ...fwiw

[carmantx]

Does the carb you have have an original code stamp on it?  If so, what is it?
Like mentioned, you probably have a generic built quadrajet from MIS-matched parts that probably is beyond repair to set up for your Trans Am.  You would be better off finding a good base core and building from there.

[Cliff Ruggles]

Where did the "rebuilt" q-jet come from?

It's not working correctly, so making any adjustments to the carb may not be effective.  Start by turning the choke dial so the choke if fully open, and see if it even tries to work correctly once it warms up.  Better than flooding out the engine and washing it down on cold starts......Cliff