Studdering problem....Help

[joepharaoh]

I took the Barracuda on its first long highway haul yesterday. I noticed that when I get to a stop light the engine starts to stumble. It seems like it is going to stall but doesn't. I get a really STRONG smell of gas. My friend said that when he was driving behind me on the highway, he could smell the fumes, and my gas milage now, REALLY CRAPPY. I am guessing that it is my carb. It is a Holly. Am I looking at a problem with air/fuel, or float levels, or ........

Thanks.

[Chryco Psycho]

It may be a power valve or gasket leak but it doesn`t hurt to check the float levels etc.

[joepharaoh]

would a power valve or gasket leak cause a strong smell from the exhaust?? I will change the gasket anyways just to be safe. Its fairly inexpensive so why not.

[Chryco Psycho]

 WHEN YOU PULL IT APART SEE IF THE RECESS IN THE BODY WHERE THE POWER VALVE IS [sorry about the caps, I hate cap lock!!] , is wet if so it is pulling fuel directly into the intake as it is a vacuum port, yes this will cause it to be rich  

[joepharaoh]

Chryco,

What is the function of the power valve blowout protection? My carb is a 700cfm. How does this work??

[joepharaoh]

I took the carb off today. I noticed around the edge of where the carb meets the intake, there is a bit of a stain. To me this indicates that my gasket is gone and a leak has happened. I thought that there is only one gasket that is between the intake and the carb. I didn't finish the engine rebuild my self, I had a friend finish it for me while I was away. There is 1 gasket (very thin) between the carb and a metal spacer. Another gasket (thicker than the other) between the spacer and the intake. Is this correct? I ordered 2 gaskets anyway, for they were only 2 bucks.

[Chryco Psycho]

There should be 2 gaskets but if you have staining it is probably from the carb not below the carb.
The power valve protection is to prevent pressure from a backfire from rupturing the fragile rubber diaphragm in the power valve

[joepharaoh]

Alright,
I replaced the gasket today. I also talked to the parts guy and he had mentioned the float levels as well. So, having very limited knowledge about carbs( I usually had someone else rebuild them for me, but I decided now is a good time to learn) I downloaded the manual from Holley's web site. I checked both float levels. The primary level looked a bit low, so I lowered the float to raise it up, correct?? Also, I checked the secondary level and found that the float was up pretty high. So I lowered it as well. I had them both set so the top level of the fuel was just at the bottom of the opening. Is this correct??
I took it for a test run and it doesn't stumble anymore. I used to get a bit of moisture spit out the exhaust but don't anymore. The fuel odor has decreased but I can still smell it. But it is not as bad as before.
I was looking at the manual, and found that there is a choke adjustment, where you can adjust lean/rich, but I couldn't find it on the carb. Am I blind
I am going to take it out for a longer run tomorrow and see how it is after that.

Any more suggestions??
Thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

  Yes that is correct having the fuel at the bottom of the site plug hole, sounds like you found the stumble. I would check the floats 1 more time to make sure you have it right , it can be difficult to accuratly lower the float level as the lower you make the float the lower in the fuel the float sits & it continues to push fuel out making still seem high so you may have over adjusted it, check to be sure   I think this is what you did on the primary side where you lowered the float to raise the level which is incorrect you should be raising the float to raise the level.
There are 3 types of chokes used on Holley carbs - Manual with a cable , manifold heat that sits in the manifold & has a rod running up to the side of the carb & electric with wires running to it & a black bakelite round cover that can be rotated to adjust the rich/ lean condition

[joepharaoh]

I will check both floats again on the wekend. Thanks for the help.
I checked both floats while car was at idle like it said in the manual. I am asuming that when I raise the float, the fuel level will increase as well? From what I can understand, which seems simple now, that what ever level I set the floats at, the fuel level will only reach up to the bottom of the float. This limits the amout of gas kept in the primary & secondery sections??
I think I will see if I can buy clear site plugs so I wont have to mess around with the screws.
I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks again

[Chryco Psycho]

Sounds good  

[joepharaoh]

I didn't get the chance to check the carb again this weekend. It rain ALL weekend. It cleared up last night so I took the car out for a spin. I had it up to about 80mph for about 30min to get her pretty warmed up. No stumble or stalling. Seems like the problem is fixed. I will check the floats tonight if I get home from work early enough.
I have to get the car prepare for the annual cottage party weekened coming up

[Chryco Psycho]

 Excellent , good that you got the problem solved

[whitesatinmopar]

  CP, you are awsome man, your knowledge of these fabulous mopars is amazing. BigMike is a top notch "wrencher" too, you two guys have helped me so much, not only with my personal questions, but with input just like you have given Joepharoah, that's exactly why Ross needs to be complimented on this board, he should rightly be proud of what he has started here!

THANKS GENTLEMEN !!

[joepharaoh]

I managed to check the floats again today. Both are set so the fuel is just at the bottom of the sight plug. The cars runs great. Whitesatinmopar is most definately right. Without the excellent help and advice, I would be lost. It is good to have members that posses such knowledge and are able to share this with others that need it. It would have been easier for me to just take the car in and have it done for me, but how am I going to learn? I love doing things on my own, and when I can't or don't know how, I ask.
THANKS A LOT CHRYCO

I felt a bit ambitions tonight as well. I installed my new temp sending unit and re-wired the guage, now it works. I also figured out how to adjust my passenger seat. For some reason, on most 'Cudas that I have seen, the pass. seat sits a few inches up than the drivers. I pulled the seat out and just turned the outside slide rail around and now it sits even with the drivers. I also put a few washers under the front of the seat so it has a bit if a recline to it.
But, I still wasn't done yet. I washed, vaccumed, cleaned the inside and waxed the car as well. Once I got going, I just didn't want to stop. It wasn't until about 10:30pm that I stopped.
Ahhhh, now the car is ready for the weekend up at the cottage.