Technical Flathead kicking my Ass

I got a 46 ford super deluxe running the original flathead and fuel and the carb keeps flooding out. I rebuilt the carb with the correct power valve and rebuilt the fuel pump, installed new fuel lines and tank but the carb keeps flooding when trying to start. Gave up and ordered and new carb thinking that was the problem and still doing the same thing. I have right about 2.9 psi from the fuel pump. Please help, don't know what else to do. When it does start and runs it will drip fuel from the carb- can't believe both carbs have the same issues. Any advice

 

What is your procedure for starting the car? Flatheads can be very particular about how you start them. Especially the amount of choke used.

 

Does it still flood when the engine is running?

 

I would be dropping the fuel pressure down to about 2 psi. That's what I run on my 2 X 94s on my 8ba flathead. Anymore than that and it floods.

You might also check very carefully the gaskets on your power valves. I believe some of them don't seal properly so the valve leaks. But as you already changed carb try a lower fuel pressure first.

 

"new carbs". Speedway jobbies?

 

Even speedway jobs shouldn’t flood,. electric fuel pump .?.?

 

I don't know anything, but something for you to read... when it's running, shut the fuel pump off... and see if it quits leaking... what I have found after checking fuel pump reg, with a gauge....
that 12 out of 12 of the little chrome reg aren't even close to the setting.... as in, set at 2 they read 6 or 7... they seem to work kinda ok at 5... but don't seem to work at all at 2

 

2.9 fuel pressure is too high. Flatheads don't like high fuel pressure. Drop the fuel pressure down to 2 lbs. or even 1.5 lbs. Just a small drop in pressure makes a big difference. I run my flathead at 1.5 lbs fuel pressure and have a Holley 1084 fuel pressure regulator and also have a liquid filled additional fuel pressure gauge to make absolutely sure I am running at 1.5 lbs. fuel pressure. Those small chrome dial fuel pressure gauges most of the time are not accurate enough if that is what you are using.

 

Where (on the carb) is it dripping fuel from?

 

Ok sorry for the late replies. Carb still leaks when running. Not sure how to drop fuel pressure down, still all original and not running a fuel regulator or electric pump. Tips on how to drop pressure. Also when starting choke is fully out and slowly released when it finally turns on. Go hit with 30 degree weather so jumping on her tomorrow when it warms up a tad to see if the temp makes a difference. Thanks for all the replies and if anyone has ideas on how to drop the fuel pressure please let me know

 

From the power valve bowl location. Seeping out from gaskets

 

Holley 12-804 Is what I use to dial down the pressure, install a low pressure gauge with it so you can make the adjustment accurately. I have never had to use one with a stock fuel pump which I imagine you are running? How do you know you have "right about 2.9 psi from the fuel pump"?

 

I’ve noticed that the fuel pump rebuild kits you get today ,have a strong spring ,which may increase the fuel pressure. If you have the old spring, try installing that .?

 

assuming that your carbs are Holley ‘94 type, (as you have not said)
Could be float levels are incorrect or needle valve not shutting off, or possibly incorrect power valve or power valve gasket.
Hard to establish without exacting information.

 

if you rebuilt them both the same, they will possibly both have the same issues.

 

I installed a fuel Guage directly to the fuel pump fitting that leads to the carb and turned it over and hit 2.9 psi 3 times in a row after releasing pressure to retest. I also do not have a older worn spring as that was the fuel pump on it when I got it

 

It is a holley 94 original that was rebuilt and then I got a repop from speedway which is new and on and doing the same thing

 

I know some new fuel pumps, even mechanical, have been known to produce to much pressure. I think the holleys might live with more than a stromberg but both float around 2 pounds with the strombergs being even closer 1.5 as has been mentioned. It’s acting exactly like to much fuel pressure.

if you buy the holleys fuel pressure regulator make sure it’s the low pressure one. The “normal” one is still to much pressure with it turned as low as it will go.

 

A link to bandits suggested regulator, which I also use and see recommended the most often.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MI5aeyw5SIiwMVB0P_AR20tSCdEAQYASABEgKo2_D_BwE

 

Going to try the fuel spring trick if I can get a spare and try adding another gasket, they say that should drop the pressure. Will update tomorrow

 

That worked for me a few years back on a situation that sounds like what the OP described.