Need a little help.  I started the old T bird the other day after having it set for a while.  When I started the engine I noticed an exhaust leak below the Carb.  Turns out the exhaust leak was coming from below the intake.  It had rusted through and developed a hole.  I went on Ebay and found a better intake which will accept my Edelbrock without an adapter.  Started the bird again and now it is running a little rough.  Would it be possible that I contaminated the carb or worst yet damaged my valves?  Any opinions would be appreciated.  Thanks

Lee

The age of the fuel is a consideration as it degrades quite quickly now.  Ninety days is considered the shelf life for todays gasoline.  Beyond this, checking the engine vacuum with a gauge would be advisable.  The vacuum reading needs to be a high steady reading at idle.  If not steady, then checking the spark plugs, timing, and performing a compression check helps.  And don’t rule out a vacuum leak either at the intake gasket or any of the vacuum driven accessories.  And of course there’s the carburetor which could simply need the air bleeds cleaned or the fuel mixture screws readjusted.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)