C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Leaky Holley

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 21, 2017 | 06:15 AM
  #1  
Sir Tripower's Avatar
Sir Tripower
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Hofheim Germany
Default Leaky Holley

Hi folks,

this is Gerrit from Germany once more. I have some trouble with the (center) Holley-Tripower on my '69 L68 Auto:

I found out, that engine doesn't stall, when the right idle-mixture-screw is fully in it's seat (on the left side, engine stalls). So there might be a leak inside the carb, where fuel passes by. That would declare as well, that engine oftens backfires, when ignition went to "off". I imagine, that there is still some fuel dropping from inside the carb to the manifold.

My question is, where I have to look for the leak. Might be the power-valve the reason? Do you have any experiences?

Greets from over the pond

Gerrit
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 06:51 AM
  #2  
sug's Avatar
sug
Drifting
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 512
From: perth Aus w.a
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C3 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Default

I had a similar problem with my carbs and adjusted the float valves to the correct setting . they should be adjusted with the car running and just to the bottom of the plug on the side of the carb .Messy job you will need a rag under the carb when adjusting .
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 07:13 AM
  #3  
sug's Avatar
sug
Drifting
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 512
From: perth Aus w.a
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C3 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Default

I also used 3 holley carb rebuild kits 37-396 that come with all the gaskets and power valves you only need one for the middle carb so you will have a couple of spares plus 3 diaphragms for the accelerator pump and again you will have a couple of spares as you only need one for the centre carb .Make sure you match the metering gaskets to what is in there already because there is a few different ones .Hope this helps .
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 09:26 AM
  #4  
gerry72's Avatar
gerry72
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Default

If the engine continues to run with the mixture screws fully seated, it's getting fuel from somewhere. So, in this regard, your reasoning is sound and the prime suspect is going to be in the power valve. Check the valve but also make sure you are using the correct gasket for the valve. There are two style valves; One with two opposing square holes. That one takes a round gasket. And one with holes around the valve discharge. That one takes a round gasket with three tabs on the inner circumference. If you use the wrong gasket, the valve will leak.

Before you dig into the carburetor, make sure you are not dripping fuel from the boosters with the engine running at idle speed. If you do see fuel dripping from the boosters, you'd be looking at a problem with the float or the needle and seat.

If it's not the power valve and the fuel level is correct and nothing is coming from the boosters, then you have a problem with the seal between the metering block and the main body. This could be due to the wrong gasket being used, a damaged gasket or non-flat mating surface in the block or the main body.
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
Sir Tripower's Avatar
Sir Tripower
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Hofheim Germany
Default

Thanks so far.

The fuel-level is adjusted correctly, so that no fuel leaks from sight-plug-hole while engine is idling.

As far as I can see, there is no fuel leaking from the venturis, as far as throttle-valves are completly dry while engine is idling.

So it looks, as if the power-valve or the seal between metering-block and main-body has the leak. That means completely disassembling of the carb-setup (without the rear secondary) .

I will report ....





Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 06:33 PM
  #6  
sug's Avatar
sug
Drifting
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 512
From: perth Aus w.a
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C3 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Default

That is one sweet looking corvette .
Reply
Old May 23, 2017 | 02:58 AM
  #7  
Sir Tripower's Avatar
Sir Tripower
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Hofheim Germany
Default

My garage has disassbled the center-carb and found out, that the seal between metering-block and main body wasn't pressed properly, because of fail-alignment of the metering-block. The block was replaced so I hope, that will be the solution.

Greets from Germany

Gerrit
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2017 | 09:14 AM
  #8  
Sir Tripower's Avatar
Sir Tripower
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Hofheim Germany
Default

The problem isn't solved perfectly yet.

As far, as I could detect, the fuel leaks from the bolts, that went through the fuel-bowl and fix it to the metering-block and main body.

Has anyone an idea, how to fix that leaks? Sould I use some liquid seal?

Greet from Germany

Gerrit
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 10, 2017 | 10:06 AM
  #9  
gerry72's Avatar
gerry72
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Default

Sure. There are both fiber and nylon gaskets for the fuel bowl screws. Take your pick. You could also make your own gaskets with a fiber gasket sheet. A bit of a pain in the *** to do, but if you don't want to order the right gaskets or you don't have the time to wait for delivery, it's an option. Yes, I have done it using scissors and a razor blade.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2017 | 06:00 PM
  #10  
PAmotorman's Avatar
PAmotorman
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 154
Default

the metering blocks get warped or bent from over tightening the bowl screws. you need a fixture to press them straight again so they seal to the gaskets. never use those never stick gaskets on old carbs as they are made for fresh new flat surfaces and don't conform to warped one
Attached Images  
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Leaky Holley





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:46 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE