Have to turn mixture screw 3 turns for Holley 1904 to idle

[Pete W]

Hi,

Something is seriously wrong. I have to turn back my mixture screw on my carb(Holley 1904/1961 Comet/ 144) three turns back to get it to start and idle. And it doesn't idle well after that. It seems to speed up and slow down and somtimes makes popping noises. One I start driving the car it does OK. I rebuilt the carb and it didn't help. The 1961 Comet manual says turn the screw back 1.5 turns and and then turn in to fine tune. I can't start the car if it's turned back just 1.5 turns. I did work fine but I started messing with ignition, timing, and carb and screwed something up.

Thanks for your help.

Pete

 

[jamyers]

Start with the ignition, make sure the points are set, the static timing is set (have to get it running for that, but it will only need to idle somewhat).

Once the ignition is properly set up, THEN go to the carb settings.

Some carbs need the idle screw backed out, some need it turned in - each engine is different, and changing ignition will definately affect the carb.

Remember, Ignition First, then Carb.

 

[Mustangaroo]

The above advise is good, just pointing out other possible problems. Check for a vacumn leak either a vacumn hose, or at the base of the carb mount, you can spray brake fluid around the base at idel and if it speeds up while you are spraying then it has a vacum leak.

 

[jamyers]

After a second thought, I'll go with the vacuum leak. Just make sure your ignition is dead on.

 

[Anonymous]

You meant brake cleaner or carb cleaner right? Brake fluid might not do the trick.