Hey guys, just a quick question (or 2)

Drove the car for the 1st time after my build and noticed the sight window on my Holley carb was low/empty. I went to adjust the float levels and ran into a couple issues.

1) to see where the level is, I disconnected the coil and cranked the engine for 10 sec, stopped, then another 10 sec. If the float levels are correct, the fuel wouldn't be able to go above the set level correct? Meaning whether I crank for 10 sec or 10 min, it shouldn't make a difference? I'm trying to determine if I over corrected the float levels too high, or if constant cranking will ultimately fill the bowls no matter what

2) assuming I over corrected in step 1, when I went to tighten the top lock screw, it never locked anything. Meaning the screw was tight, but the adjustment nut/screw could still spin freely as a pair for another turn or 2 down, then it would lock. Does this mean I just had the float level way too high?

3) I was reading afterfire (popping out the exhaust) could be caused by a lean condition. It would happen to me if I let off the gas. Could this have been because my bowls were empty causing a lean condition?

Thanks for any help!

 

Jebby

 

Appreciate the heads up! I thought about doing the adjustments with the engine running but was nervous about fuel hitting the exhaust. I'm assuming they update in real time, or will I have to blip the throttle to get rid of some of the gas in the bowl?

Should both the front and rear sight windows both be the same height? Middle of the glass?

 

Just wrap the area up around the carb with a large rag....no fuel will get on the exhaust and we are not spending a lot of time running......at idle, the float, when adjusted properly.....will be just off the seat.......just a smidge......and yes, it is in "real time"....
Middle of the sight glass is the order of the day. A side note: I adjust my non sight glass carbs with the sight screw out while running too....the rag wrapped around the intake and carb on that side.......done it a thousand times this way with never any fear of fire.....a rag has to have a LOT of fuel on it for it to turn into a wick......for my own non-sight glass Holley HP.....I have stainless 5/16 hex head screws and the hex is set in a nut driver so one can screw the sight plug in very quickly......I think this is where people get freaked out is the flat head Holley sight plug is not easy to put in quickly......and they fumble with it while gas is dripping out.......a little anxiety happens to average dude and they swear to never do it again running......but....you have to.......especially if you have like a 632ci Big Chief single 4bbl that will drain a float bowl at idle in about 10 seconds LOL.
Once the floats are set...and your timing is spot on, then you can adjust the idle screws......adjust for highest vacuum on a vacuum gauge.

Jebby

 

I always start with the adjustment set real low...so when it's running I can "sneak up on it" and gradually raise them. If you go too high...you have to wing it a bunch (and it's tough to lower secondaries unless it's a double pumper). to get fuel level back down so you can raise it to proper level.

JIM

 

This also makes a lot less mess if you have sight plugs.....

Jebby

 

Gotcha, appreciate the advice fellas!!

 

BTW...you can even wet the rag if you feel nervous!

Jebby