QuestionLooks like I may have found the perfect "pen pal"
I have a 1973 Chevy G10 Van (short body, 350 engine, yeah, it looks like the Mystery Machine) that I dearly love, and plan never to get rid of, but as with any project there are a few issues...
1) I removed the front windows to paint the van and install new weatherstripping, and now they barely roll up and down. I knew the weatherstripping would make them tighter, but they are rediculously hard to move, so I am thinking I don't have the regulators adjusted correctly. I have discovered that this is a skill that has gone the way of the dodo, and it's driving me nuts... can you tell me how to do this, or maybe suggest a website or something with picture that discusses this task?
2) I think my choke is sticking when the van is first started (before it warms up) my evidence is rough idle and black stuff blowing out the exhaust. Can you tell me what I should be looking for the carburator to be doing when I start the van? (Quadrajet type) If I can figure out what it is supposed to be doing, I figure I can fiddle with whatever needs fiddling to make it happen... I know at some point the 'flaps' in the top of the carb are supposed to be closed, then partway open, then the whole way open, but am not sure of the sequence.
3) Even after the van is started and warm, I am suspecting a 'miss' on the right side of the engine. Evidence: black smoke out of that side of the dual exhaust, hesitation during hard accel, idle. I have replaced the carb with a 'new rebuild' (actually, it took a couple to get a good one), replace the plug wires, and plugs (with absolutly anal attention to plug gapping) and it seemed to help the problem some, but not completely. What else can cause this, and what can I do about it?
4) On a cheerful note, this van is an ongoing project, and I have been thinking of replacing the engine with a crate engine, and boy would it be nice to have a trans with overdrive, and maybe something besides a 4:1 rear end would get me better mileage... do you have any thoughts on these subjects?
Thanks for your help, I am not a mechanic, just a national guard truck driver who loves and will never get rid of her van, who is finding the info in Chiltons a little limited on these subjects...
Julie
Answer Hi Julie;
Well with the windows all I can say about them is that thay should be down when you install them as I think that there is some timeing on the track so check the way the window bar goes and try to get it down all the way and look at the gears to see if thay all align right I think that is where the trouble is.
The choke on a quad , when cold if you tap the gas once and look at the choke it should be on a semi half way closed setting on the front part of the carb. than when warm it will or should be all the way open and the back is closed at all times and opens only when you give it gas , the secondarys give it more pep when they kick in. as far as the smoke you should have none if you have smoke the carb might need adjusting , the two screws one the front bottom half-- in till it starts to stall than out till it runs best or/ in all the way than out apx. 1 1/2 turns and go from there ..- and your miss - you must gap the plugs. and a rear end. I would go with a stock rear. and a crate engine would be your best bet if you have a lot of miles on yours now. ok I hope I helped .
