O.K., here's the problem: I re-built my sbc 400 with Holley DP 750, Lunati cam ( I have a Cloyes HEX-A-Just Timing gear set at 4 deg. Advanced), used a Holley Trick-Kit to freshen up the carb. I got it started. However, the engine smokes (gray-black, hard to tell-my eyes were burning and hard to breathe.....)figured it was raw fuel burning. I was right. Pulled all the plugs and rotated engine to clean out cylinders. Changed oil. Re-placed Needle/seats 'cuz I didn't do that before(that seemed to be the consensus when I did a search on the site for similar problems). However, it is still dumping raw fuel in the cylinders. I adjusted the floats(dry),level with the bottom of the bowl simply because it won't run on it's own. I have to hold the throttle linkage and I can't see the other side of the carb to adjust it wet. Also, I am not real clear on 18 deg. initial timing (in other words, is that before TDC?). I think I am going to re-set everything back to factory specs. If anyone can clue me in as to why the carb is doing this, or whatever it is that's causing it, I would greatly appreciate it!

Spoileddaddy

the carb is doing that because it has trash in the needle/seats or they're bad. Did somebody here tell you to leave the old ones in? Most guys here know better than to say something like that. Put the new ones in before doing anything else.

18° BTDC means Before Top Dead Center. However, you can't just do that without checking total timing because it's likely it will have way too much. I think you need to read more carefully, nobody here is going to tell you to just willy-nilly set your timing to 18 and assume everything is OK.

Search the Engine and Perf forums for a thread titled Ignition 101, read it carefully.

Are you saying fuel is pouring right outta the boosters into the motor? That's bad. You can mess your motor up , gald to see you at least changed the oil. Watch you don't start a fire!

Floats should be level with the top of the bowl with the carb upside down, that's a starting point. Electric fuel pump? How about some pics so we can see if anything is obviously wrong?

if your setting the floats dry, your just guessing-looking down the carb, as mentioned, will tell if fuel is dripping out the boosters, or vents
did you add a big cam and single plane intake? that will also add to making an engine run rich at idle, untill other things are done

Did someone have the carb apart before it was installed on your engine? The reason I ask this, is because Holley makes 2 different designs of gasket to go between the fuel distribution block and the throttle body. Having the wrong gasket installed will cause raw fuel to leak into the power valve chamber.
The needle and seat issue has already been discussed.
There is also the possibility that the face on the carb where the fuel distribution block and bowl mount to the carb can be warped. I don't know how it happens, but I had one carb that worked perfectly with the old gaskets, and when I installed new gaskets it leaked like a sieve. I trued mine up with a large flat file and a straight edge.
I don't know from personal experience, but a cracked or blown diaphram on the power valve could also cause raw fuel to enter the carb. Apparently just the engine backfiring can damage the power valve.
Bob

Sorry gents, here are some details: I have a Edlebrock Victor Jr. Single Plane Intake.The first time the carb dumped fuel straight into the engine, I did a search on this site as to specific causes/fixes. I pulled the old needle/seats out. The primary had what looked like pieces of cork or wood chips?( I have new cork gaskets on the valve covers),that crap must have come from the 10 gal. fuel cell in the trunk ,the secondary N/S looked old, no gunk in it. I replaced them both, cleaned the float bowls, sprayed brake clean through the carb and fuel lines as best I could see. I also installed a new primary Power Valve that came with the Holley Trick-Kit. I adjusted the floats after installing new N/S, off the carb, upside down-level with float bowl. I also installed an in-line fuel filter since there were no fuel filters on it at all. After doing all this it still dumps raw fuel into the engine, though it seems to be less than the first time? I am also using Bosch Platinum Plus Plugs 'cuz they are supposed to burn hotter.....I figure I will either pull the carb apart again,looking for more crap I may have missed, or replace it altogether('cuz I'm getting real tired of this Holley). I had a Carter 4bbl on my Chevelle I had before, NEVER had a problem with it in the 11 yrs. I owned the car! Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now........Anyway, I truly appreciate your help!


Spoileddaddy