4 Reasons Why Your Carburetor is Flooding

Today we'll talk about the top 4 reasons why your carburetor is flood and talk about how to correct it! Flooding sucks, but its extremely dangerous. Get a grasp of the situation quick!
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#carburetor #flooding #holley

[@vicmacias3831]

I have carb issues right now. Great advice. I think I found one of the solutions. Great videos too, by the way. Thanks!

[@HiggsBugson]

Can't wait to try those steps out! Thanks for the advice!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Glad to help. Hope you find the right solution quickly!

[@YuckFou502]

You certainly deserve more subscribers my man! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and nice vehicles! I have a 72 Chevelle with a Holley and 72 c10 with and Edelbrock 😆 Bought a 5.5-9 lbs pump before finding out Edelbrock's allegedly don't like anything over 5. The 3-7lb pump I had on prior worked fine with my filter hung higher than the carb. I lowered that below the top of the carb and it helped the flooding issue I've been having 🤷‍♂️ I'll bet raising the carb up and that ethanol gas treatment wouldn't hurt either

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

I’ve always worked in a range of 4.5-6psi. I start at 6 and tune down from there if needed. Most of the time, on regular pump gas, I’ll set at 6 and most generally like it right there. Pressure regulator is your friend!

[@lukasbirks4427]

Thanks for the advice

[@kevinisaacs6930]

Love it very helpful

[@pacbrian3809]

ah the float in boiling water trick! old shop teacher taught us that way back in the day! great tip bro

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

For sure old school! It works!

[@raymondmoreno7442]

Thank you sir for a great video helpful 👍

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Thank you for the info and tips.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnweaver8470]

I have a feeling a lot of people would love to see the Chevelle project that's what made me subscribe,then I couldn't stop watching,lol

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Been waiting on parts. Hope to start the engine build sometime this summer. Maybe get it back on the road before the end of the year. All depends on what other road blocks I hit between now and then!

[@johnweaver8470]

@@MuscleCarSolutions that's a super cool ride can't wait to see it again hopefully the road blocks are minimal I believe the last time I saw it you were working on the transmission tunnel, I may be wrong though

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@johnweaver8470 yup. Everything is mocked up. I’m probably going to rewire the car while I wait for the engine. We’ll see what I can get done while I wait. Crazy how long things take these days, but patience is all I can offer for now. I’m so ready to get that car back on the road!

[@edcucchiarella7994]

Another great video! Thank you

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@jasondingram5991]

Great video! I commented on another video about my 1406 flooding. I discovered that the cheap rebuild kit I bought had a needle valve that was sticking in the seat AND I had my floats set too high. I tried setting them at 1/2" for a slightly built 289 however, my carb setting skills have never been good. Thanks again for the information!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Glad you got it sorted out and you’re very welcome!

[@CRuZ_CoNTRoL.]

Did you fix it?

[@jasondingram5991]

@@CRuZ_CoNTRoL. I ended up buying a new carb after twisting off one of the screws that hold the idler springs in place. Rookie mistake.

[@CRuZ_CoNTRoL.]

@@jasondingram5991 was the carb ruined because of that?

[@rileysrebuilds435]

awesome tip on heating the water for a float hole test. We just had a rebuild come back because of a pin hole.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Old school trick! Hard to find those on a general rebuild. Saw you work on that one during one of your livestreams!

[@Wdmgaming40]

Fuel pressure on my carter 9605 drops from 5psi to 0 psi in about 8 min after starting. Pressure tested top of carb in container of water and no leaks new mec. Pump new regulator Pre and post filters. Does not flood and continues running fine even with 0 pressure at Guage. Any suggestions ?

[@wacofives5094]

WELL DONE!!

[@Brantithor]

Love your content! I've learned so much from watching, keep it up! Rebuilt an Edelbrock 1406 after watching your series, getting ready to start the Qjet series next 🤙

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Nice! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions along the way. Always happy to help where I can.

[@fredricdolman3004]

Why do I get the fuel smell why it’s running 4150 quick fuel idle perfect floats level perfect starts on the coldest day no problem just always smell like fuel

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@fredricdolman3004 what’s your pressure set at?

[@fredricdolman3004]

@@MuscleCarSolutions 5 1/2

[@hybridmusclegarage4590]

Great info as always. Thanks

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Thank man. Make any headway on yours?

[@hybridmusclegarage4590]

@@MuscleCarSolutions waiting for my compression tester from amazon to be delivered!😁

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@hybridmusclegarage4590 cool. Hopefully you’ll get some answers.

[@frederickholliday8460]

Great help, I just installed a new 650 DP Brawler with flooding issues. Its impossible to tune air mixture screws as fuel must be entering the venturies or blowing past needle and seat freely causing black smoke at exhaust and extremly poor gas milage (gallon per mile) Needle and seat was inspected and cleaned with compressed air, o ring seemed flush with seat cylinder...Fuel pressure is regulated and tops out at 4 psi (assuming gauge is correct) I did run some avgas 100 LL thru by mistake...and where can I get new o rings or new needle & seats ? Appreciate your comments

[@johnweaver8470]

I was always curious how those pin holes developed with no obvious damage, I guess things just happen in the automotive world, thanks for the video

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Yeah it’s hard to say. Most of what I see is along the seams so it’s the brazing that occurs that eventually fails. I’m not sure ethanol has anything to do with it, but it sure doesn’t help!

[@tkracing5875]

I got another thing to check for . Improper assembly causing flooding. I recently tore apart an eddy and the needles were installed upside down! And i will admit this was done 20 some years ago by me! Boy did the fuel gush out the top of it!!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Well uh….yeah that would do it! Yikes!

[@and96638]

Another awesome video, thanks for keeping us informed! A suggestion for finding ethanol-free fuel; there are apps and websites that list locations that offer ethanol-free gasoline. It's easy to find these specific vendors and plan your gas stops along your route.

[@nursecuenca]

How often to do replace fuel filters?

[@nursecuenca]

Last replaced 2 years ago

[@67stangracer]

does a turbo blow thru have any other ways it can flood? i have a 650 blow thru that keeps pushing fuel out the vent tubes and squirters, running jet extensions with boost reference power valves from simple stage that have little tube extensions ? or is it pretty much the same across the board ? only thing i havent changed is the needle and seats , running a a2000 fpr. and itll push fuel out at 6 psi 5 psi or even 2-3psi im almost ready to just bite the bullet and spend the 1000-1200 on a new custom blow thru.

[@JK-lw1yj]

I have an AVS2 on my 65 Mustang, which has a 302. It uses the stock mechanical fuel pump. I recently installed a Marshall fuel pressure gauge, whcih is a high quality oil dampened gauge with a vent so it reads correctly when it heats up. It reads 5.5 psi at idle and drops to 4 psi when the rps increase. Edlebrock states that 5.5 psi is ideal for these carburetors and the range is 4 - 6 psi. So not all mechanical fuel pumps require a fuel pressure regulator and before installing one, you should first verify the fuel pressure.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

That’s good, if you don’t need to adjust pressure to find what suits the engine best. Sometimes that 6 psi, sometimes it’s 4.5. Without a regulator, you don’t have that adjustability. Or choose not to run one and take away that ability. It’s ultimately your decision.

[@f150bft]

Great info

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Thanks! It was time to put all that into one video.

[@ehguy3628]

Back in the day a guy had to order the two books on the 4150 and I think the 4160 to begin to gain some knowledge/insight into how their carburetor functioned and how to keep it working. That was fine when there was no alternative. Now enter KZbin and the forums. Video's like this pretty much negate the need for the books that once were the Only technical source available to the average guy. I enjoy you video's and never fail go gain some insight and knowledge from them.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Yup! There were no books when I got started! It was all trial and error. No AFR to help actually know what the outcome was from tuning adjustments. Glad the videos have been helpful for you!

[@BADD400]

Good video. new sub

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Glad you’re here!

[@blakenorman4822]

My carter bbd is spitting fuel out the top and the big vent at the middle front bottom, doesnt want to start and seems like I have good spark, gonna try putting on a regulator see if it helps

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Regulator is always a good choice but there’s likely something more simple if that’s the factory set up. Dirt, trash, sticky needle. Might be time for a good cleaning and gaskets. Change your fuel filters. Reset the floats. See if that cures it.

[@rokboitvthe45way]

Very helpful video thanks I had my carburetor catch fire last night and I poured water into it to put it out at the gas station I have a elderbroc on my 71 LTD 351 Windsor I need help did I really damage anything?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

You’ll need to tear it apart and find out. I’d be more concerned with why it happened.

[@spoolinsvt6489]

Next time it catches fire , dont put water into it and your engine. Just cover the carb with a towel or anything. I have used the shirt off my back to choke it out. It could happen from being too rich and not firing and having timing off making it backfire and catch on fire

[@stephenmitchell3569]

Best channel to remind me of carb dyno days 1985.... Just ready to fine tune new 540 BBC nitrous motor. Been away from hotrods for few decades. Now with your help shows me my favorite Holley set up is same...at least the way we address proofing fueling setup. Thank You for Sharing and restoring my old school attitude...lol.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Go get that 540 moving! Best of luck!

[@mayken6661]

Working on a 78 Chevelle, beautiful! Noticed carb leaking out bottom areas of carb. Throttle plate . What are possible issues I may be looking at? Thnx 👍

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

What is your fuel pressure set to?

[@greggmannix1600]

I hope you have solved my issue with the part of the video about heat soak. I can park the car for 2 hours and try to start and it won't start otherwise it starts and runs great. What does heat soak do to a carburetor.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

With ethanol added fuels, heat in the carburetor can easily boil the whole thing dry very quickly. Awful stuff. Isolate the heat as best you can and those next starts will be easier.

[@gotta56forme]

@Muscle Car Solutions: I have a carb spacer in my future (heat soak prevention). I was interested in your comment/opinion for your preference of wood laminate. I had been steering towards the phenolic simply for it's underhood friendly black color. Aesthetically, the wood laminate was a turn-off because, well, it looks like wood, colorwise. *Any downside you can think of to spray painting the wood laminate black?* (maybe just the sides only)

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

I think I may have mentioned it in the heat soak video I did. If not, I will here. I like the wood laminate better. I believe it has a better ability to block heat. I can’t provide you any empirical evidence to that; it’s just an opinion at this point. Maybe one day I can find a way to put that to the test. I have no problem running either. Both are much better than nothing! As far as painting goes, I’m not sure that matters. But I’m not the one to ask. When the hood is down and you’re driving, no one can see it anyway. 😉

[@gotta56forme]

@@MuscleCarSolutions thank you for the quick reply. Big fan of the channel. I've learned loads about carbs, carb tuning, and problem prevention from your and Thunderhead289's vids

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@gotta56forme anytime! Glad it’s been helpful!

[@gearhead19]

Is it a good idea to check the the float adjustment on a new eddie before installing?

[@deerslayer5863]

​@@gearhead19 yes

[@davidrosenthal735]

Hello, first I want to thank you for the great content your providing. In my 64 Malibu SS I have a manual fuel pump on my custom 327 sbc. and the fuel pressure at a cold start is about 5psi. After about 15 minutes the pressure goes down to zero and stays there with no change to how the engine is running. Any ideas as to why ? If you have any questions for me to help you determine this issue please ask. The carburetor is a Holley 4150 (80670). The car went through a complete frame off build about five years ago including powder coated frame, complete body/paint and drive line as well. Unfortunately I've neglected her badly due to other commitments. I recently tried to start her up but she would just not fire, I determined the fuel pump was bad so I replaced it. Tried to start her and she fired right up, after a 15 minute test drive I noticed she was running rough and would not idle. Fortunately got her home and was seeing fuel spewing down the venture (primary side). This is where I found you on KZbin. I replaced one of the needle/seat assy's. on the primary side only and that definitely helped but the pressure is still dropping off. Could I have a defective pump or could this be a carburetor problem. Thank you for the great videos. !!!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Difficult to say. If it sat for a long period of time, you may have a general cleanliness issue. Ethanol added fuels are the absolute worst. The alcohol attracts water. Water carry’s contaminants. The combination of all three play havoc on a fuel system when it’s not continuously run. I’m assuming it was parked and the fuel system wasn’t completely drained. So that would be a good place to start. I have several video on fuel system set up that might be helpful to to. Change your fuel filters. Give that carburetor a good bath and a rebuild kit. Then you can start looking at where the lack of flow (pressure) is coming from.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

And I’m very glad the videos have been useful for you! Thank you!

[@davidrosenthal735]

Hi, well I think I’ve done everything trying to determine why my fuel pressure goes from 6psi at start-up to zero after five minutes of running. Changed fuel pump, I even ran a hose from the inlet side of the pump to a five gallon can of gas which at least in my mind eliminated an issue between the pump to the back of the car. I changed out the needle/seat assy as I saw fuel dumping into the primary Venturi’s. Is there anything in the carb that can cause a pressure drop ?

[@nedsmith3659]

dirt in the Edelbrock Carburetor Primary Boosters air bleeds ASSY will cause flooding too

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Sometimes! Rare though, so it didn’t make my short list.

[@red_601]

I’ve got a quick fuel qft 750 taken apart. The floats are imploded somehow. So the fuel chambers kept floating hard. The hard part is getting parts, because I’m in Europe…

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Lots of time and lots of money unfortunately.

[@pipkin92]

What brand of fuel regulator do you prefer? I need to add one I'm running a stock manual fuel pump nothing fancy.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Have my favorite one and a cheap one in the video description

[@pipkin92]

Thx I always forget to look at the video descriptions

[@Mr.BodyByFisher]

Hate Edelbrock Carbs . Almost Burned up my 73 impala, drove it for three months without any issues. On the way to work smoked bellowed out from the hood. Open the hood and flames burst out I could see the gas overflowing. After putting it out with an fire extinguisher after getting it home I took the carb apart, the float was in the bottom of the bowl. The float only had a tiny tack of solder holding it to the arm

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Seen that happen just as many times on a Holley. It’s not the brand of carburetors fault, it’s just what happens.

[@Mr.BodyByFisher]

@@MuscleCarSolutions come on man

[@diegos5877]

I have a 64 thunderbird and it keeps flooding. I put a fuel regulator on it because it was at 10 psi. But nothing changed and it continues to flood. I’m not sure what to do since the carb was recently rebuilt and everytime I take it to the carb shop it’s fine but as soon as I put it on my car it floods. I put on a new fuel filter too. Any tips?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

What carb? What is the regulator set to? Have you checked the needle and seats? Float levels?

[@grandd5913]

1403 carb starts right up cold and after opperating temp. Sits for 5 min. and hard to start. How do I get the car to start consistently?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Heat soak. Check out the video I did on how to cure that.

[@spymaine89]

thanks go,od data

[@camerinsmith5182]

I just rebuild my Edelbrock 1406 on my Chevy K 20 and when it is on flat ground, it idles great runs great but as soon as I park it on some sort of incline the carburetor will start cutting out (stumble real bad almost to the point of dying) and I’m talking about maybe 5 to 10° incline/decline. Any suggestions?

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Check float level. What is your fuel pressure set at? While you have the top off, make sure there’s no garbage inside the bowls.

[@camerinsmith5182]

I have an in-line fuel pump to a Holley pressure regulator set at 8 psi then going out the carb. I have a pressure gauge set at both at the regulator and the line before the carb and they are both reading 8-7 psi.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@camerinsmith5182 way too much pressure. 4.5-6psi is the range on an Edelbrock carburetor.

[@bigwedz7363]

I'm running a 2 x 4 barrel set up on My 69 firebird and I pulled the plugs out and the cylinders were full of fuel.. I noticed that gas was leaking out of the passenger side of the carb around the throttle shafts.

[@michaelswann8330]

Will incorrectly adjusted float levels affect mileage? Recently adjusted mine to the manuals specs and dropped 5 mpg. Seems drastic. I added a 1 inch spacer as well. 1406 carb. Love the channel!

[@melmen2379]

I have a carter 1 barrel on a 1966 valiant. It was flooding really bad the car not wanting to run. My carb was leaking around the bowl gasket and coming out the vent. I sent my carb to a shop and the guy said my float was out of adjustment he replaced the needle and seat from an original kit he had at his shop and adjusted the float. I get it back and it's STILL HAPPENING. although the leaking isn't near as bad. He then told me it has to be my fuel pump the pressure is too high. So I'm gonna check the fuel pressure if it's not the pump I just don't know what to do. Iv had it. But it could be the pump it's about 5 or 6 years old.

[@diegos5877]

Im having the same issue with my 64 thunderbird. I’m not sure what to do though since it doesn’t flood at the carb shop but as soon as I get it on my car it floods. I put a regulator on it but it hasn’t worked. I’m going to check the fuel pressure today. Hopefully the regulator is bad and I just have to change that. Let me know what ended being your issue. Maybe it’s the same as mine e

[@coyoteserranoband]

Check the gaskets, check weight, get a new float and basically the whole ensemble.

[@melmen2379]

@@diegos5877 Turns out I have a major vacuum leak. I took the whole car to him and that's what he found

[@SkySprice]

@@melmen2379 no way that’s actually it. I got a 1bbl on a 74 dart and I’m having the same issue. This all started after I started rebuilding the vacuum setup based on a diagram

[@melmen2379]

@@SkySprice yes it turns out to be a MAJOR vacuum leak. Right now she won't run at all

[@johntharpe132]

What's the best way to get the seats out? New at this and we don't want to damage them. Elderbrock 1404

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Screw driver.

[@johntharpe132]

@Muscle Car , thanks

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@johntharpe132 it’ll be pretty obvious when you see them. Easy!

[@johntharpe132]

@Muscle Car Solutions yeah, we had it apart. I just wasnt sure if i wanted to take a screwdriver to get a brass fitting out. My son(16) and i are working on his 1969 f100 with a 302. We've changed the intake and carb, running into flooding issues. So we're in the process of cleaning it. This is our first time doing anything like this so i just wanted to be sure i wasnt going to hurt anything

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

@@johntharpe132 you’re good. Just snug with everything going back together is all you really need to be careful of. There are some good tips in this video. You’re attacking one with the needle and seats. Float height and fuel pressure are the other two big ones. You’ll eventually find what was causing the issues. Feel free to ask any questions. Happy to help!

[@chrisike-gq8sm]

I have a brand new Holley 650 vacuum secondary. Why would my fuel bowls drain down into the intake overnight? This is the second carburetor that’s done it.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

How do you know it’s draining into the intake?

[@chrisike-gq8sm]

@@MuscleCarSolutions spark plugs are wet

[@chrisike-gq8sm]

@@MuscleCarSolutions and I just changed the oil and it already smells like gas

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Go watch my video on how to fix heat soak.

[@bradleyhannah8713]

I use a pensil with eraser to clean the seats!

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

That’s a great tip. 👍

[@paulaharkleroad8471]

I HAVE BEEN THRU ALL YOU HAVE SAID NEW FLOATS NEW NEEDLE VALVE AND SEATS AND IT STILL FLOODS I AM GETING FUEL IN THE AREA BESIDE THE FLOAT BOWLS

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

What is your pressure regulator set to?

[@seanhannon1055]

Just swapped from a single carb to a double 600cfm intake. Engine kept running so rich at idle I've called the man that rebuilt my carbs I've went and ordered jets and meters and while waiting for parts found out the rear carb had zero movement on the floats and the needles were stuck!! Maybe I've solved the mystery

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

If they were stuck open, that would add to that problem.

[@georgereyes7813]

You know ur stuff ,my edelbrock has a pinhole on it itself.

[@tommaika9121]

HOW DOES METAL DEVELOP A HOLE? Brass float

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Through the seams, primarily.

[@1perveysage]

I had a motor break and i thought it was just because it was old and then found out the Brawler i had put on it was missing the 2 center-line bolts on the base-plate and 3 others were fairly loose. I cant say the carb was the problem but i have never seen a shoddier assembled Holley. The inside bowl gaskets and metering plate gaskets were over torqued to the extent of ripping them.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

That doesn’t sound like fun.

[@scaryscopezz7121]

Can I text you on instagram about my cutlass it has a carburetor but the only way it’ll stay on is if the flap stays open

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Electric choke? What’s your timing at?

[@scaryscopezz7121]

@@MuscleCarSolutions nope it’s just like the one in the video