I currently had a fuel level problem on my ramp truck and chased it for a long time. it turned out the "O" ring that goes around the brass float adjustment and needle was leaking constantly causing a rich flooding condition. finally removed the needle seat and changed that O ring and Bingo, that was the problem.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

Was still having trouble after "fixing" it.After doing some internet searching I read that Holley carbs dont handle fuel pressure higher than about 5.5 to well.Higher pressures tend to overwhelm the floats.So I bought a regulator and installed it.Set it for 4.5 initially and "bingo" problem solved.No more "stutter"on deacceleration which I assume was excess fuel dumping into the carb.Float level stays where it is set and should be.My question is, what is the relationship between fuel pressure and volume.The pump I have is apparently rated for 6.5-7.5 maximum pressure.With the pressure set at 4.5 it is still providing lots of fuel as there is not a problem even at higher speed.Thanks! 

  

Good on you. Glad I could help.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Thanks Frank.I took it apart this morning again.Checked the float-not leaking.The float arm was not straight so I made it straight and reset float dry and after checking it wet after running it appears to be now correct fuel level in the bowl.

  

Mark,

           I realize this may be obvious, but if you set it with the sight glasses, the motor needs to be idling.

         The secondaries will not drop until the fuel evaporates, or you gun it enough to use up some of the fuel in the bowl. UNLESS of course it's a four corner idle setup.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Mark - At the inlet to the bowl on a 4160 type carb, there is a filter element captured under the inlet fitting. Be sure its clear. Wash with rubbing alcohol and a (very) fine brush.

Just one more thing to look at...

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I can't remember it either. Has gotten worse since I turned fifty. Wife always says, did you google it. Has bailed me out numerous times mike

1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)

 

Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ

Stuff like this is so valuable, just wish I could remember it!

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Mark, a backfire cannot damage a float. Since yours are brass you would here and feel fuel sloshing around in it if it was leaking. On a Holley each flat on the inlet adjusting nut ( 1/6 turn ) changes the fuel level approximately 1/32" so your 1/4 turn would only change the level 3/64" barely perceptible by eye. Hope this helps. Mike

1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)

 

Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ

Pete! I set it dry initially so I was sure I was starting with a very close to correct setting.Run it for a few minutes so fuel level is stabilized.Check the level via the site plug.Turn the level down gradually.Doesnt have any effect.Shouldnt take more than 1/4 turn at most to set it properly.Another party suggested  maybe the float got damaged when it backfired although visually I see none.Its  brass float by the way.