Thermoquad Rebuild?

[d_saum]

So.. I have this TQ carb that came with my newly acquired car (1973 400 SE) and most likely needs a rebuild.. How hard are these things to rebuild? I've never rebuilt a carb before. I've done a little research on them and they appear to be a pretty good carb, but is there something else I should be looking at?  A rebuild kit is about $45.00. I'm willing to spend a little cash if a rebuild is something that should be left to the pros, or if I should be looking at a better carb.  Suggestions?

[flyinlow]

First off I am a fan of the Plastic Fantastic carb (thermoquad). On a relatively stock engine ,well tuned ,they drive well.

I ran one on a mild build 446 with a Holley Street Dominator intake . Finally went with a Quick Fuel carb. I could never get enough accelerator pump squirt to apply a sudden WOT with out a hesitation.  Lack of support and tuning parts on a carb that's been out of production for 30 years is the biggest problem.

Demon carbs makes a 625cfm and a 750cfm carb that is similar to the TQ. Uses Holley jets and accelerator pump nozzles. Looks interesting ,but I have no first hand knowledge. of one.

[ODZKing]

Well, no doubt this has been discussed here before but here is my story. I have a 73 Charger 400 HP and I found an original TQ for it. I had the carb rebuilt by a fellow in Utah. Supposed to be a genius at these.
I have had it on the car now for 4 years and was just about to rip the thing off. I also have a 67 Charger 383 with a AFB on it. It runs like a Lincoln compared to the 73. I see why people either love or hate these TQs.
I had tried everything to get this to run right.  Everyone with suggestions, you need to change jets, this - that. I don't attempt anything I am not familiar with and rebuilding a carb as far as I am concerned is an art that I and not comfortable with and don't want to deal with.
As I say, I was this close getting rid of it until I took it to a guy (Chebby guy at that) who did a rough tune on it and FINALLY got it to run pretty well. I think I may take it back and have him do a complete tune on it.  I can't believe how much better it runs.
Does it run like my AFB, no ... but at least now I see potential. Otherwise it is the Demon for me.
Moral and my suggestion, rather than do it your self, find someone who KNOWS TQs and let them tune and rebuild it.
Just my 

[1973rallye]

A GM guy rebuilt my big block thermoquad and it runs excellent. The small block carb bowl was warped so I went with a street Demon.  Extremely pleased with it.

[Dino]

The rebuild is super eay, tuning the thing is a different matter.  However if you take your time and follow the EXACT procedure to set it up, you may have a very well running carb.  I ran one on my 440 for a few years and it was a beast.  Unfortunately it started wearing out and is now leaking fuel from a few spots so a Street Demon will replace it.  I thought long and hard about the Proform but I just love these spreadbore carbs on the street.

If you want to learn about carbs I say invest the $45 and some of your time and have fun!  Btw, I fould a nos rebuild kit on ebay for $10 and a lot of parts can be found here: http://quadrajetparts.com/carter-thermo-quad-carburetor-parts-c-299_158.html

Oh and run the brass floats, I ordered mine from Napa for same day pickup.

[archie360]

The first carb I rebuilt was a TQ three years ago and it still runs great.  Not a big deal if you pay attention to detail and pictures always help. I think there was some good youtube videos also.  Maybe I just got lucky, on the other hand I recently rebuilt a simpler carter AVS and couldn't get the secondary air door adjustment right for the life of me!

[flyinlow]

Does the car run now?  Make sure the ignition system is in good shape and timed properly before touching the carb.  Check carb thru screws tight, mounting stud nuts snug and no vacuum leaks.

Normal wear and tear things I have seen are the primary jet  O-rings that go bad eventually. Worn needle and seat. Both of these come in the rebuild kit.

If you follow the 73 FSM instructions and make sure it is clean it should work well.