260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

[ormjgrouch]

Good morning fellas,

I finally was able to get my engine running by spraying some starter fluid in the carburetor. Looks like I will need a rebuild. Can someone tell me which carb i have from the picture below. Anyone have a step by step instruction on how to do it properly and tips on which kit to get?

many thanks in advance

1980 Sea Ray Weekender 260 Mercruiser (restoring/bringing back to life)

 

[FLAT RATE]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Looks like a Rochester Q-Jet from the photo. On the throttle linkage side of the carb is an 7 or 8 digit number, use that number to get the rebuild kit and get a new float for it as well. The rebuild kit will have directions and diagrams to use but if yiou have never done a carb overhual before it would recommend hiring someone to do it for you, not real hard but there are some tricks and the last thing you want is a fuel issue on a boat.

 

[achris]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Here the manual with all the information you need.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1TAvwZ3Tjhfdk9PRXBWWExTU084dXpoTUhqRk9vZw

The Q-junk carbs are quite finicky, but follow the book and do everything in the right order and you shouldn't have any problems. Just use DRY compressed air when cleaning out the passages. And use Carb-kleen, NEVER brake cleaner.

Chris..........

 

[ormjgrouch]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Flate Rate & Achris

Thanks for taking the time in helping me out. I have rebuilt a couple of edelbrock before on my classic mustang. Thank you, i have a buddy here at work who is a chevy guy, he too pointed out its a Q-jet carb. Thanks guys!!!! my first boat

 

[cr2k]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Always Always use the stiffer spring on the accelerator pump or you will have hesitation issues. Most kits are relabeled auto kits and have softer springs.

 

[Robert D]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Good morning fellas,

I finally was able to get my engine running by spraying some starter fluid in the carburetor. Looks like I will need a rebuild. Can someone tell me which carb i have from the picture below. Anyone have a step by step instruction on how to do it properly and tips on which kit to get?

many thanks in advance

1980 Sea Ray Weekender 260 Mercruiser (restoring/bringing back to life)

Be careful with starting fluid in a boat....more explosive than gasoline. A Quadrajet that is that corroded will take some serious cleaning. (Might be a good time to think about a new carb & manifold. Judging from the obvious corrosion, you should check under the thermostat mount and see how bad the rust is in the manifold. Many people have pushed a screwdriver right through it....) As much as I like the Quadrajet for street use, I feel it's way too finicky for marine use, despite Mercruiser using them. I prefer a square bore Holley for simplicity. (Simplicity= reliability.....) Most people aren't experienced enough in fine tuning a Quadrajet, and in a boat it's a bit different than in a car. Tuning a Quadrajet is almost an art form. Tuning a Holley is something anyone can do. The Quadrajet will be more economical.....and that particular one you have should flow about 750 cfm.......yet will be slightly more economical than a 650 cfm Holley.

 

[ormjgrouch]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Thanks CR2k & Robert D.

for the response and taking the time in reading my post. I am debating on what to do with the carb. I may try to rebuild it since its the least cost.

 

[pismo10]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

It is a QJet and they hate dirt. Give it a good cleaning, inside and out, and it will be fine.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: 260 Mercruiser - Carburetor

Use an empty egg carton to separate the small parts, especially the little balls. Some are steel and some are aluminum. Don't mix them up. If in doubt, take photos as you disassemble. Measure your float level and drop carefully. Make sure everything is spotless and dry. Assemble on a table covered with clean newspaper; easy to throw out when it gets dirty. Watch the little clips and springs as to where they go and how they are atached, including which holes the springs connect to. Clean all gasket surfaces carefully. Take your time and you should be fine. However, even if you do everything perfectly, some Q-jets don't take a rebuild well. At that point you'd need a replacement. Hy