Q: Replace carb on my 79 Cadillac. I thought it came preset. The car cranks but only runs a few seconds than cuts off.

asked by on January 28, 2018

I replaced the carb on my car 79 cadillac deville and it ran fine for that day..i came out the next day to try and start it. It crank but then died after a few seconds. I thought they came preset to make an easy swap but could be mistaken

My car has 40000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car starts and then dies Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Rebuilt carburetors do, to some extent, come adjusted but the air fuel ratio and idle speed can be more finely tuned to the individual engine. In your circumstance, maybe the adjusting screws vibrated out of position during that first day of operation? Is the gas fresh? Before adjusting anything, I would first diagnose the stalling, that is make sure that the problem is really "fuel system" related. You can test fuel pump output and pressure to see if those are in an acceptable range. Of course, check for a clogged fuel filter as well. The stalling you are describing probably stems from a fuel and/or ignition system fault (check to see if the timing advances normally) although air induction could be an issue including the possibility of a large vacuum leak from, for example, a leaking brake booster (if equipped) and/or the PCV system. If you want this stalling diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an engine stalling diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I alter the cruise control speed?
You can adjust the cruise control speed while the system is in use. To increase the speed, press the RES/+ button. Pressing this button will increase the speed by 1mph. Pressing and holding the button will increase the speed consistently...
Mazda not starting.
If your engine is cranking over at a normal speed but not starting, your battery would likely not be the cause of the no start condition. If your car is not cranking at all, then yes, a battery with low...
Sound from steering wheel or front wheels
There are many causes for a noise when turning. The most common would be the clock spring in the steering wheel, a front axle noise, or various suspension components. A qualified technician will need to test drive the vehicle to...
Misfires on cylinder 3
Hello. Instead of only replacing the coils between cylinders 2 and 3, I think you should replace all of the coils with new coils (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/ignition-coil), if you haven’t done so yet. The results of your compression test show that you...
Buzzing noise under dashboard
Hello. A buzzing noise that goes up and down with engine RPM is usually caused by an issue with the alternator. It is either caused by it being shorted internally, it being loosely connected, or a bad ground connection to...
Left side opera lights do not work - 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
Hello. The trim would need to be removed in order to access the lights. If all of them are not working then it may just be a connection issue. Most of the time the connector fails and causing the wires...
Need to know if it's the engine. Misfiring, horrible gas mileage
Hi there, thanks for writing in. There are a few items in your question that lead me to believe you've got a cooling system problem that should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. First, if you're smelling liquid...
The car needs a jump after sitting for three days, and now the emission light is on.
Hello. The best step to take when any warning light illuminates is to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. This will tell you what issue the computer has detected within the emissions system. There may have been a...
oil leak: 2008 passat 2.0t driver side near battery down below, leaks oil onto a hose.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The lack of oil in your car until you get this fixed should be a concern. Make sure you are keeping an eye on the oil level and adding some when needed. The oil...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Architect
Obviously, Obviously, architects appreciate beauty and symmetry. This is not just the case when it comes to their building projects, but also in terms of the vehicles they choose. We have evaluated several used cars, and identified the Mercedes CLA,...
How to Get Cadillac Dealership Certified
Cadillac car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through one of the many Cadillac training programs.
Understanding the Cadillac Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Cadillac Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.