Holly woes.

[gonzo]

Hi guys,
Went out today for first run since registering the beast, and it seemed to run O.K. at first ,then I got exited and floored it! next thing chugging and missing which I took to be overfueling, I opened the hood <having swithed off !>and peyrol was all over the inlet. I took the air filter off to see petrol poring out of every orifice in the carb, now! the carb is a brand new Holly 650 vacuam secondry sold and fitted by a local race mechanic?? so before I tear round and start getting shirty can I do anything myself as he is a good way off. I think it may be sticking needle valves but don't see any sight plugs or easy way into the float bowls to check or reset them? Any ideas, HELP!!

GONZO. <the fuel abuser!> green I aint!!
P.S.Came home via A.A. breakdown truck . <oh the shame!!>

[craigh]

it sounds like stuck floats,im not up to speed on holleys but sounds like they may need adjusting,some of the guys on here are mustard on them,personally i would ask your race engineer about it

[dave.n]

Gonzo

Had exactly the same probs and I hate to say this but in the end I got rid of the Holley. However back to your problem, you have almost certainly got a sticky secondary float. I had three different reputable mechanics work on it they remedied mine by buying a overhaul kit and replacing the float needle (float needles can be bought seporate) and re-adjusting the float level to a level with the inspection screw. Float is on the bowl top and inspection screw is on the sides. I have to say that in the end after doing this several times I got it right. Haveing driven the car for about 9 months I decided to out the carb. Hope you have better luck.
Anyone got any other ideas as I know how infuriating let alone dangerous this problem is.

[TINKA]

If the carb is new then take it straight back as if this was to happen again and you had a really hot engine having just had a good blast if the petrol hit your headers your car would go up in flames so fast you would hardly have time to stop and get out before it would be too late. I know this might sound melodramatic but a similar thing happened a while ago when one of those glass fuel filters broke and sprayed petrol on the headers :angry:

Seriously if it is new get it professionally sorted as your safety comes first :thumb:

[Purple AK]

Gonzo.

Three possiblities.
1. Fuel pressure too high (Unlikely as it would show all the time)
2. Float levels set too high (see above)
3. Float Valve stuck/dirt in seat
HTH :thumb:

[mikey]

Agree with above, the carb may have been stood for a long while. Dont despair the Holley is worth haviong for its tunability if you get it right. I assume it is coming out of the stacks, also check that the float bowl screws are tight as this is a classic on a new Holley
Mike

[gonzo]

Thanks for the input guys, think I will see if the guy who fitted it can come out or recomend a course of action that won't invalidate the warranty.
The only screws on the side are on the choke end ,one each side and the rest is just blank?
Anyway I'ii ring him tommorow and see what he says.
GONZO. < the nearly hot rodded>.

[Mr Bling]

Gonzo
Similar thing happened to me with an Edlebrock 650 when the engine was warm - shortly after start up - switched her off for 5 mins and then she would not start so i pumped the throttle a couple of times - like you i could hear the petrol running like a tap through the carb, lifted the filter off and could see the petrol pouring down the barrels - it stopped after about 10 seconds. Not happened since - put it down to a stuck float caused by a bit of dirt which was probably flushed through.
You may find it was a one off, best advise i can give is strip the carb and ensure it is clear of dirt. The Holley is a good carb so i would not be in a hurry to swop it out without considering a strip and clean.
Good luck
J4N