The Carter Thermo-Quad carburetor, model 9375S, for my 1982 Dodge Ram D350 318 engine is leaking. I am not sure it if needs a total rebuild, or if a part will do. I have attached a photo showing where the drip is. Can someone who knows more about carburetors than me, which is likely everyone on this forum, tell me what I should do? Thanks!
The drip is:



Overhead shot of the carburetor:

 

A reduild mite fix it from my research is that it is a common problem. So if i was you i would look for i defrient carb.

 

years ago i ran a couple 360,s with this carb. throttle shaft always seemed to leak from wear. this may be your problem,or the phenolic type plastic the body is made out of also seemed to warp and cause gasket leaks.

 

Thanks! What would be a good replacement that is reliable? I have done some research and there are some issues out there with rebuilt carburetors. Which rebuilt carburetors are reliable? --Thanks!

 

well personally i always used the holley #4160 with vac. secondaries and electric choke for reliability,easy to tune and parts are easy to get new.
they flow 600 cfm. its a square bore carb. if you want a spread bore carb,i would suggest the holley #4175(i think) its polished alum. it has solid body with no gaskets below the fuel level so less chance of it ever leaking. i dont remember what the cfms are but a few years ago i ran this carb on a 440,then removed it and ran it on a 360 both ran good with it.
hope this helps,this is just my opinion.
you can do more research on this to see what you prefer,but new carb is your best bet. good luck

 

Thanks for all the insight. Research indicates that there are some poorly rebuilt carburetors out on the market. Which rebuild venders are recommended?

 

IMO, i dont know of names of carb rebuild companys. i have always bought a new performance carb from holley. a new holley isnt much more than a rebuilt factory replacement. its your choice. good luck

 

I would run a 600cfm edelbrock performer. I have a 600 cfm carter AFB on mine, which is an older version of the same, and it is great. Reliable, very simple to rebuild, and works well with a smaller motor like a 318. Good luck whatever you do.