How to rebuild a Rochester Quadrajet 4MV carburetor

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=Introduction=
 
=Introduction=
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This article is written with the intention of assisting, informing and guiding the first-time builder who has never dealt with a carburetor before.  
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This article is written with the intention of assisting, informing and guiding 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.  
  
  
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It is a collaborative effort that 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.  
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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.
  
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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.
 
 
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=Planning and Organization=
 
=Planning and Organization=
  
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==Becoming Familiar with the Carburetor==
 
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If you have never dealt with a carburetor in your life, it is important o familiarize yourself with the various components. Please refer to the '''''Books / Guides / Websites''''' section below for helpful materials. 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].
 
  
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====Books / Guides / Websites====
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==A. Becoming Familiar with the Carburetor==
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:'''''"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.
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: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.
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: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].
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===Carburetor Identification Decoding===
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: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.
 
  
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If you have never dealt with a carburetor in your life, it is important o familiarize yourself with the various components. Please refer to the '''''Books/ Guides/ Websites /Multimedia''''' section below for helpful materials. 
  
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====Identification Number Location====
 
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:Necessary for ordering correct rebuild kits and parts. 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''
 
  
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[[File:Carburetor_Identification_Number.jpg|frame|center|ID Number 17057525 APP 3356]]
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====Books/ Guides/ Websites/ Multimedia====
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:'''''"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.
  
  
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====Identification Number Decoding====
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: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.
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:Should a need arise for decoding, please see the following article for further information and assistance: [[Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors: Identification and Decoding]]
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====Online Sources for Identification and Decoding====
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: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].
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:''[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].
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:''[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%."''
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: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.
  
  
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:''[http://www.carbkitsource.com/carbs/numbers/Rochester/Quadrajet/index.html Rochester Quadrajet Carburetor Numerical Index]'' - From [http://www.carbkitsource.com/ "The Carburetor Doctor"].
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====Carburetor Identification Decoding====
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: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]]
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[[File:Carburetor_Identification_Number.jpg|thumb|center|750x250px|ID Number 17057525 APP 3356]]
  
  
  
  
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===Parts===
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==B. Parts==
 
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#Carburetor Rebuild Kits: Available through various manufacturers.  
 
#Carburetor Rebuild Kits: Available through various manufacturers.  
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#Individual Parts
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#Individual Parts: ''(List coming soon.)''
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:#
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#Sellers / Sources: ''(List coming soon.)''
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#Sellers / Sources
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===Tools===
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==C. Tools==
 
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:*Compressed air - For blow-drying carburetor parts after cleaning and washing them.
 
:*Compressed air - For blow-drying carburetor parts after cleaning and washing them.
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:*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]
  
  
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====Digital Camera====
 
====Digital Camera====
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: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.  
 
: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.  
  
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===Safety===
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==D. Safety==
 
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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.
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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.
  
  
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====Protection====
 
====Protection====
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#Goggles
 
#Goggles
 
#Latex Gloves
 
#Latex Gloves
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The '''''Procedures''''' section was written to aid the first-time rebuilder. Experienced rebuilders who are well-versed with the Quadrajet carburetor can skip certain steps, such as continuous photographing every step of the way.
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==A. Before You Begin==
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The following tips will save you time, avoid any unnecessary stress, and keep you working safe.
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===Before You Begin===
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#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.
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The following tips will save you time, avoid unnecessary stress, and keep you working safe.
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#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. ''Time saver.
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#Have all new parts, tools, chemicals, and safety gear on hand and ready to go.
 
#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.
 
#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.
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===Set Up===
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==B. Pre-Removal==
 
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:Begin by taking pictures of the carburetor as its sits on the engine. Photograph from every possible angle, including:
 
:Begin by taking pictures of the carburetor as its sits on the engine. Photograph from every possible angle, including:
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:At this point, disconnect all hoses and linkages and carefully move them out of the way. Some of the common connections include:
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:*Fuel line/hose - ''Be especially careful with the fuel hose as it will spill some out.''
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:*Vacuum advance hose
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:*PCV hose
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:*Brake booster hose
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:*Throttle linkage/cable: Held in place with a clip.
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:*Throttle return cable: Held in place with a small bolt and nut.
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:*Throttle return spring
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:*Divorced-choke coil- Unscrew from the intake manifold if applicable.
  
  
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==C. Removal==
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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.
  
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Try lifting the carb up slowly, making sure nothing else needs to be disconnected. Once it clear the intake manifold, 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.
  
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===Removal===
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Place the carburetor on the stand if you have one.
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''Coming soon.''
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===Dis-Assembly===
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==D. Dis-Assembly==
 
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''Coming soon.''
 
''Coming soon.''
  
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===Cleaning===
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==E. Cleaning==
 
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''Coming soon.''
 
''Coming soon.''
  
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===Rebuilding===
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==F. Rebuilding==
 
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''Coming soon.''
 
''Coming soon.''
  
  
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====Trouble Spots====
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===Trouble Spots===
 
Please keep an eye on the following areas during dis-assembly and rebuild.
 
Please keep an eye on the following areas during dis-assembly and rebuild.
  
  
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=====Loose Power Piston Retainer Cap=====
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====Loose Power Piston Retainer Cap====
 
:Signs
 
:Signs
 
:Solutions
 
:Solutions
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=====Leaking Plugs / Main Wells=====
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====Leaking Plugs / Main Wells====
 
According to [http://www.Hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member '''''cobalt327''''':
 
According to [http://www.Hotrodders.com Hotrodders] forum member '''''cobalt327''''':
  
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=====Worn Shaft Bushings=====
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====Worn Shaft Bushings====
 
:Signs
 
:Signs
 
:Solutions
 
:Solutions
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=====Cleaning Float Bowl Orifices=====
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====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)]''.
 
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)]''.
  
  
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===Re-Installation===
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==G. Re-Installation==
 
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''Coming soon.''
 
''Coming soon.''
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<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>
 
<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>
  
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===Tuning===
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==H. Tuning==
 
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''Coming soon.''
 
''Coming soon.''
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=Recommended Resources=
 
  
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=== Wiki Articles===
 
  
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=Recommended Resources=
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==A. Wiki Articles==
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;[http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/How_to_rebuild_automotive_carburetors '''''How to rebuild automotive carburetors''''']
 
;[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)''.
 
:Wiki article intended to provide information on rebuilding a carburetor. ''(Article remains under construction as of June 22, 2011)''.
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===Hotrodders Forum Threads===
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==B. Hotrodders Forum Threads==
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;[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)''''']
 
;[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.
 
: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.
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===Other Online Resources and Digital Media===
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==C. Other Online Resources and Digital Media==
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;[http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88376 '''''Quadrajet Info by Lars''''']
 
;[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.
 
:A detailed document written by Lars Grimsrud on troubleshooting and tuning Quadrajet carburetors.
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: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.
 
: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.
  
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=====Online Sources for Identification and Decoding=====
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:''[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].
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:''[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%."''
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:''[http://www.carbkitsource.com/carbs/numbers/Rochester/Quadrajet/index.html Rochester Quadrajet Carburetor Numerical Index]'' - From [http://www.carbkitsource.com/ "The Carburetor Doctor"].
  
 
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=Reference=
 
=Reference=
 
''^1'' [http://www.recarbco.com/technical/rochester/qjet.html Recarbo Fuel Systems]
 
''^1'' [http://www.recarbco.com/technical/rochester/qjet.html Recarbo Fuel Systems]
  
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Revision as of 17:55, 18 July 2011

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