Questions and Answers

1979 Chevy Camaro Bogs Down Q. I have a 1979 Chevy Camaro with a 350 cid, 4bbl carburetor. Here's my problem, I just bought the car and it has been sitting for about a year. After installing some fuel lines that were rotted and putting a battery in, it fired right up. The car runs better than my new car, but now while driving, it's starting to surge at past half throttle.

If I let it idle, it runs great. I give a little gas it revs up fine. but if I floor it, my RPM's drop and it spits out black smoke (runs bad). I let go it goes back to a great idle. I was thinking maybe fuel pump not delivering properly. But then I'm think the old Q-jet needs to be tossed. It also seams like it has been getting worse, less pedal and it does it. Please help.

Camaro nut in Tehachapi.
Chris

A. If it's spitting black smoke, this would indicate too much fuel. I would check the fuel filter in the carburetor. I doubt it's running rich. The filters can clog and run great at idle but cut out when a demand for more fuel is present after the bowl has a chance to empty. If filter is not clogged, I would rebuild the Q-jet.