Can anyone tell me if the steel pipe which fits into the center carb just above the base plate for attaching the PCV rubber hose to should be loose and easily pulled out?
Thanks for any help

None that I have seen come out by hand. Sounds like a potential vacuum leak waiting to happen.

No. They are normally very tight. When I restore six pack carbs, I have a special tool to remove that fitting. In some cases I have to heat it slightly because there is a lock tite type sealant on some. I reinstall them with a plastic hammer and I’ve never had one come out.

Thanks for the replies. Should i use a sealer when refitting it?

Won't hurt and might prevent a leak

Loctite or any sealer of your choice. Might check the temp rating for whatever you choose.

Loctite has a sleeve sealer. I think it’s green. You could use it. On a side note, the 1/8” vacuum fittings come out on a regulator basis. I just rebuilt a set of carbs from a 24,000 mile Superbird and all three of the vacuum fittings came out of the carb bodies because it still had the original vacuum hose and it would not let the steel release.

Here they are all done. He did not want them plated so I just did my special cleaning on them. It brings out what’s left of the plating that is still on the carbs. They were in pretty good shape

Thanks for some great info, i wiil check the other connections also. With the PVC valve fitting can this be an air leak source if not sealed? I am no expert but is it correct that it sucks air through the carb port from the valve cover? Thanks again

Correct. If you can tap it in with a plastic hammer and some sleeve installing sealant, then you should be fine.

which loctite product would you recommend ? green or blue ? [or something else ?]

Green sleeve installer.

thank you sir !