Cliff's Quadrajet Parts and Rebuild Kits

General Category => Quadrajet Carb Talk and Tips => Topic started by: Novarolla05 on July 30, 2013, 07:31:06 AM

Title: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Novarolla05 on July 30, 2013, 07:31:06 AM: Hello all,

I came across an air valve setup I've never seen before, and can't seem to find anything about. The carb number is 17080212. One of the air valves has a small flap attached to the underside at about a 45* angle. The other flap is normal with no notches or anything. Since its only on one flap, I'm thinking this carb has been reworked (incorrectly?) at some point, but its only for parts so it really doesn't matter (primaries look melted from a fire or something). Has anybody else seen air valves like this before, and are they any better than just a plain air valve?

I'll try to post pics when I get home if none of this makes sense.

Thanks,
Richie
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Ethan1 on July 30, 2013, 03:40:56 PM: Can you post a photo of what you are describing?
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Novarolla05 on July 31, 2013, 05:11:51 PM: Ok, I finally got around to snapping a pic of the air valve. Here it is:
(http://C:\Users\Richie\Desktop\Air Valve.JPG)

Richie
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Ethan1 on July 31, 2013, 06:48:37 PM: I have never seen anything like that. Looks like some sort of "baffle" maybe? I don't know. We will see if someone recognizes it.
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Novarolla05 on July 31, 2013, 07:23:31 PM: FWIW, the part number stamped on it is 58583. The other air valve that was on the carb (the normal one) was 58411.

Richie
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Shark Racer on July 31, 2013, 09:38:35 PM: I can't help but wonder if it's a "performance mod" meant to even out cylinder distribution.
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Ethan1 on August 01, 2013, 11:50:49 AM: Quote from: Shark Racer on July 31, 2013, 09:38:35 PM
I can't help but wonder if it's a "performance mod" meant to even out cylinder distribution.

Could be, Steve. Makes sense.
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Novarolla05 on August 02, 2013, 07:34:28 AM: That's kinda what I figured as well. With the air valve open all the way, the extra flap is right in front of the fuel nozzles. I was thinking it might be to help direct the fuel more downward. Since it seems pretty unique/rare, I guess its safe to assume it didn't make much difference in performance.

I wonder if JET Performance or some other company that does rebuilds made their own custom flaps. Still doesn't explain why there was only one like it though.

Richie
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Shark Racer on August 02, 2013, 08:37:25 AM: A notch in front of the fuel discharge holes will help more than anything, look at Cliff's book or poke around the net for pictures of some of the "High Output" Pontiac Quadrajets and you'll see what the factory offered.
Title: Re: Strange Secondary Air Valve
Post by: Novarolla05 on August 02, 2013, 10:04:39 AM: I agree Shark Racer, I've done the notching mod, and it definitely improved the transition to the secondaries when I mash the go pedal. I guess for now this flap will remain a mystery.

Thank you both for all your input!

Richie