Car is a 1966 Fury with a 318 and an Automatic. Car runs and drives but it was running a bit rough and rich with the stock Stromberg carb. I had accellerator problems with the carb soI bougth a Holley 4412 (2300 series) and put it on. That definitely didnt help. Heres where I am and I could use some direction

Timing is set at 10btdc. It runs between 10btdc and 15 btdc but if I try to adjust further to 5 btdc the car dies.

New plugs, cap, ect ect. Cleaned the points (because the replacements didnt fit correctly)

Holley carb was rebuilt. AF screws do nothing. And to start the car I have to hold the pedal to the floor and crank for about 20 seconds before it runs.

The idle has to be kept a bit high to keep it running otherwise it is very choppy and stalls. Idle is definitely too high but I cant adjust it down or it dies. It si still kinda choppy even with the idle high.

It runs so rich it burns my eyes.

I could use some direction. Should I focus on the carb or the timing? seems to me if it was mostly the carb it would run smoother, just rich.

Do a leakdown or compression test. The valve seats may have gotten worn out with unleaded gas?
If you suspect the valve seats, pulling the valve covers and rocker gear, check if any valve stems are higher than the others.

I have to go buy a new compression tester today and will report back my findings.

I checked the float level in the Holley and with the engine running the fuel just barely comes out the sight- Which should be correct.

As for the points, I have them gapped at 17 right now. I bought new ones at Orielleys but when I put them in I found they were rubbing on the retaining screw. I pulled them back out, filed the contacts on the original and put them back in. I gues I can file the new ones so they fit but first I am going to get a set from someone else.

Alright, Carb sounds Ok, I
wonder if a plug wire(or 2) went open

Joe,
Along with the tips already posted, also make sure that your PCV system is functioning properly. Where you say that you changed the carb recently, the vacuum port on the carb should be clear but check the hose, the valve itself and your oil cap. Good luck to you.
John

At first, it sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere...especially if compression is good...

Keep us informed

Dan

I found the problem.....

While checking the compression all checkedgood (between 110 and 120) until I got to the #8 cylinder... That was at 190. When I released pressure in the tester gas came out. So I yanked the carb... Sure enough its beenleaking gas. Pulled it apart and it seems that the guy who rebuilt it ripped the power valve gasket and put it on anyway. There was a huge gap. I replaced the gasket, turned it over until all the gas was out of the cylinders and reinstalled the carb. Runs great now. I still need to do some tweaking but it runs very smooth and starts right up.

Thats whaI get fo trusting someoneone without checking their work.

Im SOOOOOO happy it runs so smooth now.

Sorry for the crappy picture but i took it with my phone.

Okay I spoke too soon.

It defintely runs better but there is still a timing issue. It backfires throught he carb under heavy acceleration and power is way down when I drive it. Im thinking timing chain.

Maybe your power valve is bad, a backfire on any older Holley's without the back flow preventer will definitely run bad when the PV is NFG.

I checked it by sucking on it and the valve moves and seems to hold as long as I am sucking on it. I think it is still good....

Couple plug wires crossed?

You said you pulled and cleaned the points. Make sure they are gapped properly or better yet set the dwell to factory settings and then set the timing. make sure you are getting proper advance both vacuum and centrifugal.

I checke the plug wires- Everythign seems good there.

I did clean the points but finally found a decent set at the store and replaced them. They were gaooed at 16 and then I moved them to 19 to see if it helped- Didnt seem to do anything eiher way

The distributer is another area of concern for me... I am pretty sure the vacuum advance is working, but im a little worried about the centrifigal. How much play should there be in the rotor back and fourth? I would say mine moves about 1/8 inch or a little more.

i would try bumping up the timing so you have 36-38 total at 3000rpm or so. 5* at idle sounds too retarded.