Unwarping a Q-Jet

[Greg L.]

I was wondering if anyone here has successfully unwarped their quadrajet main body and air horn and if anyone has any advice for doing it themselves.

I've never really been too concerned with this apparently common problem because installing a simple carb kit was all I ever had to do to solve any issues I've ever had in the past. So thanks to the internet I've done some reading and decided to check my 29204 carb and found that it is in fact warped about .050".

The old gaskets have a nice deep imprint so there were no issues with sealing so now I'm wondering how warped it could be before it might cause issues and should I even try to straighten it... I like the idea of having it all straight and even as it should be but don't want to risk cracking this original carb especially if it will work just fine the way it is. What would you guys do?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

I have straightened an air horn, but not a main body. In my experience the air horn is usually bent more than the main body. If I can straighten it enough to match the curve of the main body, I'm OK with it. If your air horn and your main body have the same curve, I would not waste my time with trying to fix anything.

Of note, the torque specs for the front bolts on a Q-jet are quite low. Over tightening is the main cause of the problem.

Quality airhorn gaskets are often a bit thicker, and can help make up a bit of the difference too.

[Joe L.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

Of note, the torque specs for the front bolts on a Q-jet are quite low. Over tightening is the main cause of the problem.

Patrick------

Almost invariably one of the root causes of the problem. A secondary root cause is the excessive heat the carb experiences on 68-69 Q-Jet manifolds with active heat slot. ALWAYS block this heat slot.

As you mention, the bolts have a low torque requirement and no locking feature of any kind. Check the torque regularly or use blue Locktite on these bolt threads.

[Dennis D.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

There was a tool years ago for umwarping airhorn and main body of q-jet. Have the info somewhere.

[John F.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

I have never messed with a QJ, but I have baked a Model A Ford carb in the oven @ 250 deg with C-clamps and straightened it out. About an hour or so, and kept adjusting the clamps. (the cookies turned out okay). Just kidding on the cookie part.

[Greg L.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

So I think I'll just leave it the way it is. It took way to long to find this one and it just isn't worth the risk just to "make it better" when it should work just fine the way it is. Thanks guys.

[Gary B.]

Re: Unwarping a Q-Jet

Greg,

As Shakespeare said,

Gary