Author Topic: Carb stumbles just past idle  (Read 3335 times)

Offline jupiterbandit

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Carb stumbles just past idle
« on: October 20, 2014, 08:52:20 PM »
I've just attempted to rebuild a 76 qjet for an olds 403.

I accidentally bent the arms on the power piston assembly and may have bent them down causing the carb to run too lean?

It idles beautifully at 800rpm. As soon as I slowly depress the gas pedal it starts to stumble.

The ATP is adjusted 2 turns out. It can move a total of 3 turns out but no more.

I also bent the float to sit 3/8" down in the bowl. It may be a hair deeper. I was having problems spitting gas up through the vent and soaking the airhorn gasket at 1/4" so I went deeper. The book says 13/32nds

So I am guessing that either the arms on the power piston are bent down too much causing me to run lean or the float is set too low?

If I stomp on the gas it will spin the wheels and then stall out as soon as I let off the pedal.

I'd appreciate any help you guys can offer on this one.

Offline Cliff Ruggles

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2014, 04:25:13 AM »
Did you use one of our kits?.....Cliff

Offline jupiterbandit

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2014, 07:51:13 AM »
Yes, I used one of your kits and your book.

Offline jupiterbandit

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2014, 07:55:12 AM »
Carb is 17056256

It was made in 1975 for 1976

I have a 1979 Trans Am with an Olds 403 all stock.

Offline jupiterbandit

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2014, 12:10:50 PM »
Damn, I messed with it again. I had taken it apart. Made sure both metering rods were entering the jets at the exact same time so I know they are level. I fixed the float issue so now it's not over flowing and Then I just had to screw with the ATP screw. I turned it 1.5 turns out.

So I put it all back together, fired it up and the stumble was gone. I grove it 200', the choke was cracked open and it was running awesome. The car was begging to smoke some tires. No stumble at all. Then the choke opens all the way up and it's not wanting to idle for nothing. It's acting like it's misfiring. I push the choke closed and the idle jumps up and it seems to run smoother but only with the idle mostly closed.

Is the ATP screw in too far? or is this a whole other issue?

Offline jupiterbandit

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2014, 04:22:34 PM »
I feel like a real dumb@ss.

I guess on my test drive my hose fell off the PCV and the vacuum leak caused it to run like crap.

Just went out into the garage and fired it up after connecting the vacuum line to the PCV and if that thing doesn't run good.

No hesitation, smooth idle, no bog, it runs great.

Thank you for all of your help. Even if it was just me talking to myself. lol

Offline Cliff Ruggles

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2014, 02:21:02 AM »
Good news!....Cliff

Offline jupiterbandit

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2014, 05:48:57 AM »
Ray helped me out tremendously over at Cliff's on the phone and it was great seeing Cliff was also here willing to lend a helping hand.

I am definitely happy I chose Cliff's rebuild kit. Support and customer service is important and Cliff's delivers on both.

Thanks again

I'm also on the waiting list with 2 77 Q-jets I'd like fully rebuilt and plated. I can't wait

Offline Cliff Ruggles

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Re: Carb stumbles just past idle
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2014, 03:52:27 AM »
Thanks for the kind words.

I'm sure Ray told you that about 90-95 percent of the carburetors that come in here that aren't working correctly have the hanger arms bent.

That is followed closely by using poor quality/incorrect parts, and plugged up idle tubes......Cliff