1979 Other Chevrolet Models car wont stay on

JR2JESS

MEMBER
1979 CHEVROLET
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
138,000 MILES

I have a 79 el camino with the 305. I replaced the carb with the oem one and did a tune up. The wires are hooked up correct. The car starts then it turns off and it doesn't idle. I have to hit the gas pedal once or twice for it to start it, if not it won't start. When it starts it revs up and just turns right off.

Thursday, December 13th, 2007 AT 8:20 PM

3 Replies

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Make sure the idle adjustment screw is adjusted properly.
Is the carb. A new one or a junk yard one? Make sure all of the vaccum lines are connected. Did you replace the carb. Gasket. If not check it for cracks.
Let me know how you make out.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, December 13th, 2007 AT 10:24 PM

JR2JESS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

My carb is a reman and it came with a new gasket. I checked all the vaccum lines and it checks ok. The idle screw seems to be adjusted right.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, December 14th, 2007 AT 2:12 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Sounds like the float is not adjusted right, adjust it or, replace that rebuild with another one. Rebuild are like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna get! The other chance you might have, can you get to the mixture screws on the front? If so, turn them all the way in, then back out 3 turns on both, see if it will run, adjust the mix while it's running with a tach, play with them till you get the highest rpm at idle. Be careful when you turn them screws in, Gently now, the seats and needles are easily flattened!

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, December 14th, 2007 AT 6:07 PM