Carter B&B Float Level Discovery

[55 Fargo]

I have been experiencing some sporadic flooding of my carb, or it seems to be flooded.

I notice this after a ride, then shut engine off for short time, such as to fill up gas.

Then I have to sometimes floor gas pedal for engine to start, yesterday it did this and had a bit of a time getting her started. Engine was not hot, and running normal, cranking speed normal too.

Today pulled carb top off, float to my surprise was set way down, adjusted to allow the float level upwards, and eyeballed about 1/8 of an inch, it was rising to maybe 1/4 of an inch to the top of the bowl.

I am not sure what happed here.

I do notice my needle seat may be a bit longer, I did switch needle and seats when I installed the glass bowl fuel filter a year or 2 back.

Does anyone have any ideas about this.

I drove the car a bit seems to run and restart fine, but have not went forr a longer ride to really see what it would do.....thanx fred

[Jim Saraceno]

I do notice my needle seat may be a bit longer, I did switch needle and seats when I installed the glass bowl fuel filter a year or 2 back.

Does anyone have any ideas about this.

When I rebuilt my carb, the new real seat was also longer than the original. I had to readjust the float level.

However, a low float doesn't explain flooding, I would think that would be just the opposite.

[55 Fargo]

When I rebuilt my carb, the new real seat was also longer than the original. I had to readjust the float level.

However, a low float doesn't explain flooding, I would think that would be just the opposite.

Unless the float flange did not keep the float needle closed tightly, because of not pushing squarely against it.

I have no idea Jim, but when it's real hot here, I have a devil of a time starting this engine at times after a good run....

[P-12 Tommy]

I had a problem like that once. It ended up being the float retainer wasn't keeping the float lever and pin down squarely in the cavity it sits in. The float would move up a little on it's own. I had to bend the retainer a little bit. I hope everybody can figure out what I mean.

Tom

[Niel Hoback]

Excellent tip! The U shaped metal strip that pushed down on the ends of the float pin is held down by the underside of the bowl top. Its not a bad idea when you're in there messing around to put a little extra height on that retainer just to be extra sure.

[Cpt.Fred]

I had that as well. luckily i was at the time rebuilding another carb, so i could

figure it out quite fast. annoying little thing:rolleyes:

[Al B. Bach]

I'm actually fighting this same problem with mine right now. I rebuilt the carb and had to adjust the float because the new needle was a bit longer than the old one. Took it out today and some times I have to pump it to start and at other times I had to floor it like it was flooded. It really had me confused until I read this. I'm going to pull the top off again and bend the retainer to see if that helps. It could be that the float is moving around in there because the retainer is moving causing the different starting procedures.

[james49ply]

It seems that a lot of the vintage cars have a problem with the fuel boiling out of the carb when shut down after a longer run. I belive this is due to the heavier blocks and the way the intake/exhaust is situated resulting in a very hot intake. I installed a booster pump to the fuel line for a 49 Buick to cure that. My 48 Plymouth has been converted to 12 volts and the starter spins fast enough to get the fuel to the carb rather fast.