Holley carb problem?

[Madcobra]

I just rebuilt and installed my 360 and it won't run very well. Here's the rundown: I equipped the engine with a holley 1850 carb. The thing is absolutely pouring fuel into the intake. I adjusted the distributor timing and checked for vacuum leaks as best i could, which was really hard to do while holding the throttle half-way open, which was required to keep it running. After the cloud cleared i pulled all the plugs and checked the compression, which was fine on all cylinders, while rotating the engine gas shot out of the #8 plug hole. Any suggestions?

[Knucklehead]

Sounds like you floats are way to high of the needle valve/valve seat is bad. There ais a big std screw head witha 5/8" nut around it on each float bowl. This is the adjustment. THere is a sightplug on the side of each bowl. The gas level should be at the bottom of that hole.

[carrotman]

Like 66HD says, adjust the float level. If the level won't adjust down, it's either a bad or clogged needle and seat, or the fuel pump pressure is too high. Some Hollys have the little spring in the needle that could be weak or missing.

[Jlamb]

Check the power valve, and just because you replaced it does not mean it is good. What about the jets, did you put them back in????? smile.gif Are the jets the right ones? Other than that do what Carrotman and 66HD suggest

[Jlamb]

Check the power valve, and just because you replaced it does not mean it is good. What about the jets, did you put them back in????? smile.gif Are the jets the right ones? Other than that do what Carrotman and 66HD suggest

[Madcobra]

Thank's for all the advice, but the float level was the first thing i checked. It was bang on, and the diaphragm on the power valve held vacuum when tested. My next question is: from where and how can this thing be pouring gas into the engine? I'm about ready to pitch it for a Edelbrock!

[carrotman]

Not familiar with the 1850, but the piston type power valve can stick open. The diaphram type valves seldom stick, but they can leak. What is the # on the power valve? They open at that vacuum #. If your idle vacuum is 15 inches and the power valve is 65, the valve opens at 6.5 inches of vacuum. But if your idle vacuum is 6 inches, the power valve will be open all the time. Should be able to get different power valves. Or you could have the wrong metering block gasket.