I just finished rebuilding my 4160 (3310) Holley carb. Reinstalled it, now it's shooting gas out the secondary vent tube. I mean a lot of gas!!! What could be the problem? This was my first carburetor rebuild so I think I may have done something wrong. I followed all the instructions in the book. Thanks for any help you can provide.

did you adjust the float levels??

Sounds like the float level may be set to high allowing the fuel to continue pumping in to the bowl until it over flows out the vent tube.

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Mr. D

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I tried setting them, I think. I'm not really sure how. Is it from the screw and nut assembly on the top, or do I need to take the bowls back off and bend the spring that's in the hinge on the actual bowls themselves? They are center mounted.

Assuming it's your float level, you don't need to take the bowl off.

First, get a set of clear sight plugs. Use them ONLY to set the levels, then replace them with the metal ones again - they won't last and will mess up your carb if you keep them in.
Second, get a good large flat screwdriver and a 1/2 in? wrench. Loosen the nut 1/4 turn, then turn the screw clockwise to lower the float level. Once you can run it without spewing gas, set it to where the gas is just up to the bottom of the sight plug when running.

There are other possibilities here: Your fuel pressure may be too high, or your needle valve could be stuck open from debris.

Good Luck.

Jake,
If gas is squirting out the vent tube, I suspect the needle or the float is stuck. It might be best to remove the secondary bowl and check to make sure the float assembly moves freely and operates the needle/seat assembly. When the rear bowl is held upside down, the top of the float should be even with the ridge around the two upper bowl mounting screw holes on the inside. This will provide a good baseline setting. Reinstall the bowl etc.

Now, you are supposed to loosen the screw and turn the nut to adjust the floats!!!

Just barely loosen the screw then turn the nut clockwise to lower (CCW to raise) the float a little bit at a time. you will have to do this fast and in small increments because gas will tend to squirt out from around the screw/nut. The fuel level will not immediately lower, you will have to gently operate the secondary throttle shaft to accelerate the engine off idle to use fuel from the secondary bowl. You may have to remove the mechanical linkage rod from the secondary shaft to do this and be careful not to open it too much. It may take several attempts to get it right. Proper level is just at the bottom of the sight plug threads.

Hope this helps.

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Dave
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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by David_Bates:
Now, you are supposed to loosen the screw and turn the nut to adjust the floats!!!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oops, told you backwards - sorry about that!!

thanks