Editing How to rebuild a Rochester Quadrajet 4MV carburetor
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---- =Introduction= This article is written with the intention of informing, guiding and assisting the first-time builder who has never dealt with a carburetor before. It merges detailed, step-by-step directions, complete with images, links to online and print resources, and a multitude of helpful tips and pointers collected from the members of [http://www.Hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum, all of them in their own words. Although the article specifically deals with the Rochester Quadrajet 4MV model, the information found here is useful for working on other Rochester 4 barrel models as well. At times, the reader may encounter differing viewpoints, especially when dealing with certain repair options. It is up to the reader to decide which method works best. If confusion persists or further advice is needed, it is highly recommended that you visit the [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum and ask for assistance from fellow members. ---- =Planning and Organization= ===A. Becoming Familiar with the Carburetor=== ---- If you have never dealt with a carburetor in your life, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various components. Please refer to the '''''Books/ Guides/ Websites /Multimedia''''' section below for helpful materials. =====Books/ Guides/ Websites/ Multimedia===== :'''''"How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors"''''' by Cliff Ruggles is a frequent recommendation by the members of [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum. It is a highly-reviewed book and the author is considered a leading authority on Quadrajet carburetors. :In addition to his book, Cliff Ruggles also maintains a website ([http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/ Cliff's High Performance]), with a forum dedicated to discussing carburetors. :Other titles devoted to Rochester Quadrajets are also available from retailers such as [http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ Barnes and Noble], [http://www.amazon.com Amazon], [http://www.ebay.com eBay] and its sister site [http://www.half.com Half.com]. :If you are a more visual learner, please check out Video series by [http://www.youtube.com/user/alpheus1975 alpheus1975] on [http://www.youtube.com Youtube]. Newer, improved videos may be available by other authors as well so be sure to check for current material. =====Carburetor Identification: Locations and Decoding===== :Once it has been determined that your Rochester Quadrajet carburetor requires a rebuild, the first thing to do is to locate the identification number. The identification number will help with ordering the correct set of parts or a rebuild kit. The number is usually found either as a tag or as a stamping in the body on the driver-side of the carburetor, running vertically up and down.'' ^1'' Should a need arise for decoding, please see the following article for further information and assistance: [[Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors: Identification and Decoding]] [[File:Carburetor_Identification_Number.jpg|thumb|center|750x250px|ID Number 17057525 APP 3356]] ===B. Parts=== ---- #Carburetor Rebuild Kits: Available through various manufacturers. #Individual Parts: ''(List coming soon.)'' #Sellers / Sources: ''(List coming soon.)'' ===C. Tools=== ---- =====Parts Organizer===== :The carburetor is held together and in place with several bolts of various sizes. There are also a lot of small parts on the inside of the carburetor body. It is very important to use some sort of a parts organizer to separate everything. It does not have to be anything fancy. You can use things usually found around the house. Egg cartons work well. :''<blockquote>"The muffin pans work great. As a technique, I use two pans and label each "bin" and place the old part in one bin and at the same time, I place the new part in the other pan. Most kits are 'generic' so this is the best time to pick out the part that matches the removed part and set the residual parts aside. Most kits are 'generic' so this is the best time to pick out the part that matches the removed part and set the residual parts aside."'' ^3'' - '''''trees''''', [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member.</blockquote> :''<blockquote>"a cupcake pan works really well for organizing parts ... i also use an old silverware tray for parts" ^'' - '''''matts37chev''''', [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member.</blockquote> =====Tools===== :*Socket wrench set :*Open-end wrench set :*Screwdrivers - various sizes :*Punch :*Hammer :*Parts cleaning tray - Keeps the parts in place and also keeps any chemicals from spilling in undesired places. :*Parts cleaning brush - Used for cleaning off most of the grime and gunk off the carburetor parts after dipping them. :*Wire brush - Used for scrubbing off the tough spots after dipping the parts. :* #7 drill bit ''^4'' :*Shop towels / rags :*Compressed air - For blow-drying carburetor parts after cleaning and washing them. :*Carburetor stand - used to keep the carburetor in place while working on it. It is useful for testing out all linkages before re-installation. You can buy one from any performance auto parts supplier or build you own. For ideas, check out this [http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showpost.php?p=498702&postcount=2 post] on [http://www.http://www.forabodiesonly.com/.com For A-Bodies Only] <blockquote>''"I built a stand to hold the carb body so that I could functionally check all the linkage and clearances on the butterflies. It also makes assembly of the metering rods much easier. You can buy a stand, but hard to justify unless you plan on rebuilding lots of carbs. My Q-Jet book told me how to build the stand and it has been invaluable over the years."'' - '''''trees''''', [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders]forum member.</blockquote> =====Chemicals===== :*Parts cleaner dip - 1 gallon can is sufficient for the job. This is a powerful chemical with strong fumes. Care must be taken to protect the skin and eyes, and provide proper ventilation. The use of latex gloves and a full-sleeved shirt is highly recommended when working with this chemical. [[File:Chem Dip.jpg|frame|center|Berryman Chem-Dip Carburetor & Parts Cleaner with parts dipping tray.]] :*Carburetor cleaner spray - A few cans should be kept on hand. =====Digital Camera===== <blockquote>''"Disassembly tips? Take lots of close up, well lit pictures of the linkages." ^'' - '''''cyclopsblown34''''', [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member.</blockquote> :A digital camera with a good flash will come in very handy. There is no need for a top of the line camera. Even today's cellphones with 5 megapixel or higher rating are more than sufficient. Become familiar with the camera you have and use it to photograph everything, from every angle, every step of the way. If you ever get lost during the rebuild process, you only need to flip through a few pictures to get back on track. :The things you will need to keep an eye on are protecting the camera from grease and dip, and the battery life. Battery life varies from camera to camera, as well as the age. Make sure to keep the camera fully charged and as often as possible. If you keep the charger plugged into a socket close to where you are working, charging the battery during down time is a breeze. :Remember, with a digital camera, there are no limitations on how many pictures you can take because you are not using film. And when you upload your pictures, be sure to organize them into folders and sub-folders with useful categories for titles, i.e. ''Removal'', ''Dis-assembly'', etc. Extra effort here will save a lot of time and headache in the future when you have to go through the photos to match up the right parts or bolts. [[File:Image Organization.jpg|frame|center|An example of how to organize photos into helpful folders on the computer.]] :As you organize photos, be sure to delete an "extras" or unusable shots. You can do this either as you are taking pictures or when you upload them to your computer. This will further eliminate clutter and you will only have to go through pictures that are useful. It is also a good idea to use a photo editor for processing images. Quick cropping, sharpening and brightening of photos will turn many mediocre shots into useful images. For a free and easy to use photo editor, [http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php Photoscape] is recommended. [http://www.gimp.org/ GIMP] is another one, but with more sophisticated features. ===D. Safety=== ---- Safety is always a top priority in any project, especially those which require tools and chemicals. Be sure to work in a place that can keep out children and animals. When using chemicals, it is a good idea to warn anyone nearby of fumes. Please refer to [[Health and safety in the shop or garage]] for helpful tips and ideas. =====Ventilation===== :Ventilation is very important when working with chemicals. For the rebuild, you will be using the Chem-Dip, which has strong fumes. If working inside the garage or other indoor places, be sure to keep the windows and doors fully open. If available, employ a large exhaust fan to suck out the fumes. =====Lighting===== :Carburetor rebuilds deal with small parts, precise measurements and various tools and chemicals. Proper lighting is key to getting the job done safely without errors or hazardous mistakes. =====Protection===== #Goggles #Latex Gloves #Clothing ---- =Procedures= ''The Procedures section is currently under construction. Please refer to the threads and links under '''Recommended Resources''', which will serve as the basis for this section'' ===A. Before You Begin=== ---- The following tips will save you time, avoid any unnecessary stress, and keep you working safe. #Make sure you are now familiar with carburetor components, as well as the overall process of rebuilding a carburetor. Do not proceed until you are ready. #Have all new parts, tools, chemicals, and safety gear on hand and ready to go. #Set aside at least one to two days where you will not be interrupted. The more gaps during various steps, the more likely you are to forget things. #Prepare your work area by cleaning it. Chemicals do spill and small parts do fall. Clear off and remove any obstructions now. #Organize your tools for easy access. Need help? Check out [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/quick-organization-tools-your-garage-pays-off-177558.html "Quick organization of tools in your garage pays off!"] #Print out the '''''Procedures''''' section of this article and keep it at your workspace. This way, you won't get any grease on the books or the computer. #If you are a visual learner and can keep a laptop or other computer device with internet access near by, you can follow along with the video series by [http://www.youtube.com/user/alpheus1975 alpheus1975] on [http://www.youtube.com Youtube], or any other video/multimedia resource you find helpful. ===B. Pre-Removal=== ---- :Begin by taking pictures of the carburetor as its sits on the engine. Photograph from every possible angle, including: :*Front :*Driver-side front :*Driver-side full :*Driver-side rear/firewall :*Rear :*Passenger-side rear/firewall :*Passenger-side full :*passenger-side front :*Top of the carburetor :*All linkages :*All hoses, including where the originate from if possible ''(i.e. hose from vacuum advance canister to carburetor)''. :Once the pictures have been taken, using masking tape and a pen or marker, label every hose. Take pictures of every hose, with the label clearly marked and showing in the images. [[File:Carburetor Hoses Marked.jpg|center|thumb|750x250px|Hoses marked and labeled.]] :At this point, disconnect all hoses and linkages and carefully move them out of the way. Some of the common connections include: :*Fuel line/hose - ''Be especially careful with the fuel hose as it will spill some out.'' :*Vacuum advance hose :*PCV hose :*Brake booster hose :*Throttle linkage/cable: Held in place with a clip. :*Throttle return cable: Held in place with a small bolt and nut. :*Throttle return spring :*Divorced-choke coil- Unscrew from the intake manifold if applicable. ===C. Removal=== ---- The carburetor is held in place by two long bolts visible on top of the air horn and two nuts on the back of the carburetor on top of the throttle cable bracket. Loosen these up, remove them, and set them aside in the parts organizer. Try lifting the carb up slowly, making sure nothing else needs to be disconnected. Once it clears the intake manifold, take it out of the engine bay and turn it upside down over a container to catch the fuel that will fall out. If you skip this step, you will find a puddle of fuel on your workstation. Place the carburetor on the stand if you have one. Keep a couple of shop towels or rags around it in case any more fuel spills out during dis-assembly. ===D. Dis-Assembly=== ---- ====Accelerator Pump Actuator==== ''Coming soon.'' ====Choke and Linkage==== ''Coming soon.'' ====Air Horn and Metering Rods==== ''Coming soon.'' ====Float Bowl==== *Accelerator pump and spring *Gasket *Power piston pump, spring and rods *Check ball *Float assembly *Needle and seat *Jets *Fuel Filter Housing ====Base Plate/Throttle Body==== *Idle mixture screws *Gasket ====Trouble Spots==== Please keep an eye on the following areas during dis-assembly and rebuild. =====Loose Power Piston Retainer Cap===== :Signs :Solutions :#Replacement :#Staking ::<blockquote>''"It is not uncommon for the retainer to fail to positively secure the PP in its hole in and of itself. The solution is to take a chisel and gently stake the edge of the hole in one or two spots against the retainer." ^'' - '''''TommyK''''', [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member. =====Leaking Plugs / Main Wells===== According to [http://www.Hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member '''''cobalt327''''': ''<blockquote>"A common problem on the early Q-jets especially, is leaky main wells. ''The 'cure' for this has long been to use JB Weld, etc. to seal them over. This is just a stop-gap measure, I have seen personally how the epoxy will degrade over time and quit sealing as it did at first. ''If a permanent fix is wanted, the wells can be resealed w/new plugs that are peened over to hold them in place. ''The primary wells can be drilled and tapped for short screws that will cure them for good, although these wells seldom leak. ^5</blockquote>'' Also please see post #48 on [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/rochester-quadrajet-4mv-carburetor-removal-disassembly-rebuild-rookie-level-190558-4.html page 4] on the thread [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/rochester-quadrajet-4mv-carburetor-removal-disassembly-rebuild-rookie-level-190558.html "Rochester Quadrajet 4MV Carburetor: Removal, Disassembly, Rebuild (Rookie Level")] =====Worn Shaft Bushings===== :Signs :Solutions ::Repair Kits ::*Procedure =====Cleaning Float Bowl Orifices===== Please see posts numbers 23 through 28 on page 2 in the thread ''[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/rochester-quadrajet-4mv-carburetor-removal-disassembly-rebuild-rookie-level-190558-2.html Rochester Quadrajet 4MV Carburetor: Removal, Disassembly, Rebuild (Rookie Level)]''. ===E. Cleaning=== ---- ''Coming soon.'' ===F. Rebuilding=== ---- ''Coming soon.'' Before begining the rebuild, be sure all potential issues listed in the '''''Trouble Spots''''' section have been inspected and addressed. ===G. Re-Installation=== ---- ''Coming soon.'' '''Cautionary Note:''' According to [http://www.hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member '''''cyclopsblown34''''': <blockquote>''"That nut on the backside of the carburetor base plate, do not overtighten it. Use a thread sealant tape or paste on it and don't wrench down hard on it, the casting is thin and will crack if over torqued. you can pretty much get it tight by feel, the sealant allows you to tighten it with less torque and still have a good seal." ^''</blockquote> ===H. Tuning=== ---- ''Coming soon.'' ---- =Recommended Resources= ===A. Wiki Articles=== ---- ;[http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/How_to_rebuild_automotive_carburetors '''''How to rebuild automotive carburetors'''''] :Wiki article intended to provide information on rebuilding a carburetor. ''(Article remains under construction as of June 22, 2011)''. ;[http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Quadrajet '''''Quadrajet'''''] :Wiki articles that provides background information, history, and variants of the Quadrajet carburetors, as well as the pros and cons of using one. ===B. Hotrodders Forum Threads=== ---- ;[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/rochester-quadrajet-4mv-carburetor-removal-disassembly-rebuild-rookie-level-190558.html '''''Rochester Quadrajet 4MV Carburetor: Removal, Dis-Assembly, Rebuild (Rookie Level)'''''] :The thread discusses the removal, complete tear-down, cleaning, rebuild kits, rebuild process, re-installation, and tuning of a Quadrajet 4MV model. The discussion includes detailed, step-by-step pictures, various links to online resources, and lots of helpful advice from forum members. ;[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/q-jet-power-piston-springs-160724.html '''''Q-Jet Power Piston Springs'''''] :Thread offers information on power piston springs in relation to tuning a Rochester Quadrajet. Information provided on spring ratings, manufacturers and part numbers*. ===C. Other Online Resources and Digital Media=== ---- ;[http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88376 '''''Quadrajet Info by Lars'''''] :A detailed document written by Lars Grimsrud on troubleshooting and tuning Quadrajet carburetors. ;[http://4x4mecca.com/upload/demouploads/Quadrajet_Service_Manual_1981.pdf '''''Delco Quadrajet Carburetor,Models 4MV-4MC-M4ME-M4MC Service Manual'''''] :Factory manual for servicing Quadrajet carburetors. Contains very useful and detailed information, images and diagrams to assist with servicing and rebuild. ;Video series by [http://www.youtube.com/user/alpheus1975 alpheus1975] on [http://www.youtube.com Youtube] :Gives a detailed, step-by-step demonstration of disassembling and rebuild a Quadrajet carburetor. Although the carburetor he uses is a marine application, the procedure is the same. =====Online Sources for Identification and Decoding===== :''[http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/tech_carb_ID_2.html Carburetor Designation/Identification]'' - Covers casting designations and identification numbers. From Cliff Ruggles' [http://www.cliffshighperformance.com/index.html Cliff's High Performance]. :''[http://www.recarbco.com/technical/rochester/qjet.html Recarbo Fuel Systems]'' - ''"This guide is just that: a guide. It is not set in stone, because it is a documented fact that Rochester didn't follow these rules 100%."'' :''[http://www.carbkitsource.com/carbs/numbers/Rochester/Quadrajet/index.html Rochester Quadrajet Carburetor Numerical Index]'' - From [http://www.carbkitsource.com/ "The Carburetor Doctor"]. ---- =Reference= ''^1'' [http://www.recarbco.com/technical/rochester/qjet.html Recarbo Fuel Systems] ---- ''*Manufacturers and/or part numbers may no longer be current. Members are urged to add updated information if and when they come across it.'' ''**For current availability, edition and pricing, please visit an online book retailer such as [http://www.amazon.com Amazon],[http://www.ebay.com eBay], or [http://www.half.com Half.com]. This title is also available through Ruggles' website.''
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