While in hibernation, decided to upgrade the fuel line. Edelbrock Performer AVS carb. Already had an Edelbrock Performer mechanical fuel pump rated at 6 psi, flow of 110 gph. Went with a braided line and a Russell Competition high flow fuel filter (also rated at 110 gph). First time out, ran great for about 15 minutes. Engine died, wouldn't restart. Battery was a little low and rather than kill it completely, used the motor club to get a tow home. The following morning, started fine. Checked all electrical connections and the fuel system -- couldn't spot anything wrong. Charged the battery and a couple of days later took it out for another spin. Again, ran fine for about 15 minutes. Engine died, wouldn't restart. Waited about 10 minutes and got the restart. (At least I ddn't have to wait for another tow.) While in the garage with the air cleaner removed, I noticed gas dripping into the front two barrels. More interestingly, gas continued to flow at a good rate after the engine was shut down. Presumed it was flooded (it was), let it sit and no problem starting. Tried it again. Same thing. Gas continued to flow after the engine was shut off. Talked to the local speed shop and they felt it could be from too much fuel pressure, saying Edelbrock carbs don't like more than 5-6 psi. Installed an adjustable Holley fuel regulator with gauge. Lowered pressure on gauge to 3 psi and still get "flooding" after the engine is shut off. (Also get a "hissing" noise -- sounds like pressure being released.) To all the experts on this great site -- Please help! Thanks in advance.

I, too, have had this problem with Edelbrock carbs. In my instance what it turned out to be was the two-piece brass float in the fuel bowl. These floats are brazed together and if not done perfectly, they will develope a pin hole which in turn will cause gas to seep into the float and cause it to sink. You will then get excess fuel spilling onto the manifold or the engine will die and then when you try to start it, the carb will spit fuel vapor out the top.

Luckily, Edelbrock carbs are easy to disassemble, so you should be able to find out if this is the problem. Hopefully it is and you can either buy a new float for a few dollars or if the carb is still fairly new you can just take it back to the place of purchase and get a new float.

Hopefully this helps so you can get your Vette back on the road where it belongs.

Mike,
Call Edelbrock Tech Line: 310-782-2900 or email them at
edelbrock@edelbrock.com.. Is this a new carb?

|UPDATED|5/17/2004 2:43:44 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I agree, contact Edelbrock. I've found their carburetors (and other products) to be very reliable and trouble free. If there's a problem, I'm sure they can help you.

The float is very possible. The other is the needle and seat could be damaged/worn, or could have something stuck in the seat. If you have a flexable fuel hose at any point and can pinch it without harm, pinch the fuel line closed and let the car run until it runs out of gas. This leaves the needle wide open. Then release the hose and crank the car. The sudden rush of gas will often dislodge a tiny piece of crud and allow the needle to seat again, correcting the problem. A lot of times this isn't it, and it won't work. But it can save you a lot of grief if it does.

The flip side is the tiny piece of crud usually just lays in the bottom of the float bowl, doing no harm. But it can clog a jet or other passage, requireing a tear down of the carb. Which is where your are going anyway, so it's not so bad. You can clean the passages with a can of spray carb cleaner with the carb still on the car by just removing the top of the carb. This also allows you to correct a float or needle and seat problem.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Even though the carb was less than a year old, it turned out it was the floats. Replaced them and no more problem.

Glad it was something findable and that you've got it taken care of!

Buddy of mine has a 72 Dart and the 2bbl keeps getting messed up. 8 carbs later it turns out that the tank and or lines are rusty and bits of rust keep clogging the carbs, regular filter changes and it runs fine.

Scot

I had this problem on one of my 64 galaxies that sat in a barn for years..

had to keep half a dozen or so fuel filters with me at all times (canister type that screwed on pump)

after a few months I finally got all the crud out of the tank....