The Holley Carb Adjustment That Has A Twist - A Seemingly Simple Variation With A Big Difference

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  • Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
  • Adjustable float height is one of the features that set Holley style carbs apart from the rest and can add an edge when fine tuning for performance. But, there are a couple of different procedures based upon whether your carb is equipped with sight plugs or a sight glass.
    Here's why they're different and how to work with each.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 256

  • @denniswallace8378
    @denniswallace8378 Рік тому +55

    100% correct. I work at Holley and completely agree with.

    • @UncleTonysGarage
      @UncleTonysGarage  Рік тому +20

      I'll pin this, Dennis. Thank you.

    • @terrypikaart4394
      @terrypikaart4394 Рік тому +15

      Ok, but never break loose the locking screw to adjust fuel level with car running or fuel pump on, at least not in a how to explanation. Now after doing it a few times you get a feel for loosing it and turning hex and not getting sprayed with fuel.
      Other thing not mentioned, holley used crappy paper washers that stick to lock screw and adj nut, so the second you break them loose the paper washers are junk, because they just tore in half and will never seal agin.

    • @steveib724
      @steveib724 Рік тому

      Great 👍 Have questions for you maybe you can help?

    • @jakefriesenjake
      @jakefriesenjake Рік тому +3

      Although I agree that with a sight glass carb, adjusting the float down will raise the fuel level in the bowl and give you a wacky reading,.... EVERYBODY KNOWS YOU MUST RUN THE ENGINE TO STABILIZE THE FUEL LEVEL!
      Even if they didn't know that, after they take it out for a test, they'll see the level is off, then readjust the float level.
      Anyone with a carb, with a sight plug would know this, or they would never attempt to adjust it, not knowing that.
      Anyone who doesn't know to stabilize the float reading, would also not know what the bloody level should even be! They wouldn't even know that it's even adjustable, or where or how to adjust the floats!
      I love your vids, but this vid was not needed lol.

    • @UncleTonysGarage
      @UncleTonysGarage  Рік тому +7

      Jake, you're wrong. The time honored method of adjusting the float height with a sight plug is to shake the engine side to side and let the excess fuel dribble out, then continue with the adjustment. Waiting for the engine to consume the extra fuel, ESPECIALLY on the secondary side is a foolish waste of time.
      Now, the reason I made this video, was because I had just watched a video where an extremely well known UA-camr adjusted the secondary float on a sight glass carburetor clear down to oblivion and as a result developed a "mystery problem" that completely choked off his engines performance.
      After scanning through over a thousand comments on that video, and seeing that not one single person caught the oversight, I felt compelled to make this one.

  • @KCDW83
    @KCDW83 Рік тому +36

    Anytime you lower the float you want to let it idle and even out the float bowl on its own. It does work with a sight glass style, you do not have to drain it but that way is definitely faster than waiting for the motor to consume it. Raising it is always way faster so I'll set a new carb up with them intentionally low so it doesn't take as long to get them set once you start.

    • @leadfoot5427
      @leadfoot5427 Рік тому +12

      rev the engine, the accel pump will take care of the extra fuel q u q

    • @drfrankensteinscreations
      @drfrankensteinscreations Рік тому +5

      This is what I was thinking. It just takes a little patience.

    • @cumminski
      @cumminski Рік тому +3

      I was wondering, that what keeps the motor running if the fuel does not come out from the float chambers. Well there is a few other things i dont understand.😳

    • @KCDW83
      @KCDW83 Рік тому +7

      @@leadfoot5427 Exactly. I was just wanting to point out that Tony saying the only way is to drain it and start over isn't true. I think he may not have meant to make it sound that way but it's how it sounded to me.

  • @jonathangehman4005
    @jonathangehman4005 Рік тому +15

    Tony! You just solved a mystery I've been wondering about for 25 years! I got a pile of old holley carbs and parts with an old 63 Maxwedge I bought in the 90's, some of the sight plugs were drilled and tapped and were plugged with a 1/4-20 screw and rubber washer and no one could tell me why. Now it's obvious that with the whole plug out you adjust the level for the street and with just the screw out the bottom of the hole is higher and you're set up for dragging. Neat

  • @dieselapegarage
    @dieselapegarage Рік тому +16

    I have about six carburetors laying around I have to start rebuilding I have my notepad and pencil ready 😂😂😂 keep it coming

    • @Onewheelordeal
      @Onewheelordeal Рік тому

      How in the world did you get yourself into repairing 6 carbs without already knowing carb basics?
      I greatly admire your confidence

    • @dieselapegarage
      @dieselapegarage Рік тому +2

      @@Onewheelordeal gotta start somewhere 😂😂😂

    • @dieselapegarage
      @dieselapegarage Рік тому +1

      There all mine too lol old one I never through out

  • @neco1562
    @neco1562 Рік тому +5

    UNCLE TONY, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON

  • @hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542
    @hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542 Рік тому +17

    I've adjusted sight glass carbs back down while the engine was running, had no problem with it.
    So long as the engine is sucking fuel out of the bowl, it has never been a problem for me.

  • @drasticmezures
    @drasticmezures Рік тому +12

    Your carburetor videos are some of my favorites. Your recent rear end videos were really good too.

  • @TinManKustoms
    @TinManKustoms Рік тому +9

    Great tips.
    I used the old holly carbs with the screw in plugs on our circle track car I found a business card or a finger covering half the the hole worked to set the floats. Once you got it where you wanted just screw the plug back in.
    On circle track cars i also remember modifying the floats so they wouldn't flood the motor on the curves by making them a wedge shape.

  • @michaelschiffel
    @michaelschiffel Рік тому +9

    The Holley clear sight plugs make life much easier.

  • @squirt.mcgirt
    @squirt.mcgirt Рік тому +9

    I had this issue with an Edelbrock Performer years ago. Car would start and run but it blew black smoke out the exhaust under load. After about 30 minutes of driving it would stall and I wouldn't be able to start it again unless it sat for a day. In hindsight this was OBVIOUSLY a flooding issue but I didn't know anything back then. I replaced the Edelbrock with a Quadrajet that I knew was good and called it a day.
    Fast forward to a few years later: you dropped a video about how to use the Edelbrock rebuild kit and it encouraged me to buy one and pull that old Performer off the back of the shelf. Turns out one of the floats was just absolutely torqued so the needle and seat would never close. Previous owner did a real hack job on it and I didn't know enough to figure it out until you posted a how-to. What I'm trying to say is don't hesitate to do carburetor videos!

  • @richardlarson2969
    @richardlarson2969 Рік тому +3

    Tony, i will watch every carb video you do. I learn something valuable every single time.

  • @jessenorris84
    @jessenorris84 Місяць тому

    Always learn something new every time I watch your videos I appreciate the information

  • @MikeFahner
    @MikeFahner Місяць тому

    Keep the carburetor videos coming. I'm having difficulties with idle on my demon carb sitting on a 496 stroker... Appreciate your videos 👍

  • @jeffreystroman2811
    @jeffreystroman2811 Рік тому +2

    Uncle Tony, you can never do too many carburetor videos, said the guy headed outside to redo his float height.

  • @passionfortheword9817
    @passionfortheword9817 Рік тому +4

    I'd love to see you do an in depth video on the T quad.

  • @swedishthorvaldsson8362
    @swedishthorvaldsson8362 Рік тому +1

    Yes!! Another Carb video!

  • @a-hole9375
    @a-hole9375 Рік тому +8

    A benefit I've had working on so many holley carbs in the marine industry is that has been the only place I ever seen them use an anti-splash baffle at the back of the float. They make a world of difference when used on the track.

  • @peggyparrow2059
    @peggyparrow2059 Рік тому +1

    My hubby drilled a small hole in the plug on the old style in the center and used it raise the floats, then replaced it quickly! With a solid plug !

  • @tacobagcharlie9298
    @tacobagcharlie9298 Рік тому +1

    Im all for more carb videos. The more i can watch before my engine is done thr better

  • @barrykilts4506
    @barrykilts4506 10 місяців тому

    Ok Tony I just put a message here and wanted to get back and say forget the question I asked you,I learned something,the billet block I asked about and I said they have the spot there,well it turns out they drill and tap and put an Allen screw in it that if you look with a magnifying glass or have good eyes you can see.put the right Allen wrench on it and spin it out and replace it with the right screw.this was much easier than I thought.thanks for the help Tony.lol

  • @erhanergin5097
    @erhanergin5097 Рік тому +1

    I came across this issue and thought the adjustment mechanism was broken. I could not get the float to go down. I then got it to work at another time and said to myself "it fixed itself" :) Great video !!!

  • @wylieruneyjr
    @wylieruneyjr Рік тому +1

    I got something out of that. Thank you Tony.

  • @truthboomertruthbomber5125
    @truthboomertruthbomber5125 Рік тому +1

    I always installed “vent whistles “ on drag racing Holleys. They help avoid the flooding when exiting the burnout and doing dry hops.

  • @chrismadaj8751
    @chrismadaj8751 Рік тому

    I don't have any newer carbs but I thank you for your help GODSPEED

  • @Turbochapman
    @Turbochapman Рік тому +2

    I can see people not knowing this info amd chasing the fuel level on a sight glass carb forever. Thanks Uncle Tony

  • @paularsenault705
    @paularsenault705 Рік тому +7

    I would be happy with more carburetor videos! I want to learn all there is to know about them. Even if alot of would be irrelevant

  • @gmans7859
    @gmans7859 Рік тому +1

    Thank You Tony. Gonna add this to my investigations, process of illinations, why my car wants to lay over at about 5k. 750 vacuum secondary. Can't Gunfight with it doing that.

  • @DanEBoyd
    @DanEBoyd Рік тому +3

    Like #99!
    Never knew that about lowering the float displacing fuel like that! I've always just had sight-plugs, but concede that the sight-glass is better.

  • @MonzaTom
    @MonzaTom 9 місяців тому +1

    Good Point on adjusting with a sight glass!!!

  • @leesanders8824
    @leesanders8824 Рік тому +3

    We usually wacked the throttle a few times to use some fuel up but it was with an electric fuel pump.

  • @spankyham9607
    @spankyham9607 Рік тому +2

    I like your carb tuning tips. Really have been helpful for me!

  • @bobwhite4344
    @bobwhite4344 Рік тому

    great vid. you can also adjust the level of a sight glass carb with the engine running. slowly lower the adjustment and give the engine time to burn some fuel, then the level will be stabi!ized.

  • @hugechimp
    @hugechimp Рік тому +1

    LOVE The Carb Vids!...Keep them coming.

  • @donaldhalls2189
    @donaldhalls2189 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing, great information, noone actually explained exactly how to adjust the float level, I was 28 when I started my apprenticeship, so most thought I was 10 years into mechanic not just starting, I had general knowledge could change engines, change part's but not all the technical stuff, thanks, all the best to yous and your loved ones

  • @timrayburn2461
    @timrayburn2461 Рік тому +1

    Another good one.Thanks Tony & Cathy

  • @73ac39
    @73ac39 Рік тому +1

    Tony, you could do carb videos every day. I learn alot from them. Make sure to keep the 2 little gaskets handy for the set screw and nut. They rip if sitting for a while.

  • @rescuedandrestoredgarage
    @rescuedandrestoredgarage Рік тому +1

    Great video, brother.

  • @charleselertii6187
    @charleselertii6187 Рік тому

    Tony. I appreciate ALL and ANY of your carburetor videos. Whenever you want to make them. Rinse and Repeat. I will eventually absorb at least some of your wonderful knowledge, Sir! Cheers, Chuck in Florida.

  • @UnclePunkRockChannel
    @UnclePunkRockChannel Рік тому +3

    Good video. had to laugh at the last bit where he says glass is nicer than having gas trickling out all over the motor...says the guy who squirts bottles of gas all over the engine looking for vacuum leaks..lol..

    • @georgesmith739
      @georgesmith739 Рік тому

      While smoking a cigarette!! LOL Its all good.

  • @gregnelson222
    @gregnelson222 Рік тому +1

    Always been a Q-jet fan but my next purchase will be a Holley type carb. Thank you for the information.

  • @hddm3
    @hddm3 11 місяців тому

    Wow nice tips. Never knew that on the sight bowls.

  • @Hogiewan1
    @Hogiewan1 Рік тому +3

    There are never enough carburetor videos. I messed up with the floats and hurt the engine in my classic car. Hadn’t done it in 30 years, but still. Thanks Tony

    • @simonh5110
      @simonh5110 Рік тому

      How so did you hurt the engine?

    • @steveib724
      @steveib724 Рік тому

      @@simonh5110 lol

    • @simonh5110
      @simonh5110 Рік тому

      @@steveib724 lol what I’m curious…

    • @steveib724
      @steveib724 Рік тому

      @@simonh5110 me to me to he's worried he washed the rings maybe with flooding the motor. might have vintage engine idn 👍

    • @Jeffmopar
      @Jeffmopar 9 місяців тому

      ​@@simonh5110 I am thinking maybe he ran it lean at high rpm. That will cause detination! But I try to get the tune closer before my engine feels the pain!

  • @tadeckel5053
    @tadeckel5053 5 місяців тому

    One old trick I used was to have someone lightly power brake engine and adjust to trickle out of flow plug. Seems like it gave me about right level for performance carb prior to sight glass. Always had a 4 gas analyzer to finish jetting, transfers, accel pump, power valve tining though. B4 days of AF guages.

  • @keithcull254
    @keithcull254 Рік тому +1

    That is the one advantage uncle tony , not just adjusting the float but having the option to with a holley .... you can make it work on the street , strip or off road .

  • @paulbruno8327
    @paulbruno8327 Рік тому +4

    Always great spot on carburetor videos from you Uncle Tony AND looking forward to your next one! 🏆🏁

  • @lilmike2710
    @lilmike2710 Рік тому +2

    I'm working and I'm saving. There's a classic American machine out there somewhere just for me.
    🤞 And I can't wait.

  • @stevoschannel4127
    @stevoschannel4127 Рік тому +3

    Wow, i have da those sight window carbs and never dawned on me to adjust as you pointed out! GREAT INFO THANKS!

  • @TheMoparsrule
    @TheMoparsrule Рік тому +3

    I love the carb videos. I did not know that it was a racing setting and a street setting for the floats but it makes a lot of sense that the extra fuel needs someplace to go. My car has always had fuel issues and I notice that when I cut the pump off while the engine is running as the fuel gets lower in the sight glass the idle gets better and the 440 runs smoother thanks again Tony.

  • @davidpearson188
    @davidpearson188 Рік тому

    Mr. Tony I wish you was my uncle you're so smart one brilliant human being you are my God

  • @chrisfarrugia5397
    @chrisfarrugia5397 Рік тому

    I for one Love your carburetor videos !! Thanks Tony !

  • @benjaminmorgan6
    @benjaminmorgan6 Рік тому +1

    Great info, thanks! I have a new Holley 750 double pumper for my 440 that has not been "dialed in" yet.

  • @gpwahl1504
    @gpwahl1504 Рік тому

    Thank you
    For clarifying
    Yes ive done that as you described
    I watch most of ypur videos
    Thank you very much

  • @ohm1945
    @ohm1945 Рік тому +1

    A whole 5 days for the next carb instalment? That’s an eternity away!
    Thanks Uncle, always been a Holley guy but never knew of the correct sight glass adjustment. I’ve been tweaking with a Street demon carb and though it’s not an out and out high performance unit; it’s got precision metering and tiny primaries.

  • @bobmanzolillo3455
    @bobmanzolillo3455 Рік тому

    I love your carburetor videos, I’ve learned quite a bit! Thanks Tony!

  • @dgambrel9241
    @dgambrel9241 Рік тому

    Man I just done a sight glass today, should have watched this first

  • @Steven-p1o
    @Steven-p1o 8 місяців тому

    Love it. Carburetors very educational. Thank you. UTG

  • @glennsouthard9208
    @glennsouthard9208 Рік тому +1

    YES!! Another carburetor video!!!

  • @bobbyz1964
    @bobbyz1964 Рік тому +5

    Love me a good carburetor video!

  • @mrkultra1655
    @mrkultra1655 Рік тому +1

    Thanks Tony, that’s some great insights there

  • @bbb462cid
    @bbb462cid Рік тому +2

    Strangely enough, as a GM guy who has always had AFBs or Q-jets, I needed this. I just bought a very old Corvette with a Holley. I was about to start looking up videos on youtube ad I saw that UTG just uploaded. Thanks Tony!

  • @milesgraham9645
    @milesgraham9645 Рік тому +1

    Thanks Tony. this explains a lot.

  • @debluetailfly
    @debluetailfly Рік тому

    I used to have a Rambler American with a 199cid straight six. It had a single barrel carb. The repair manual said they used, I believe, 52 versions of that carburetor. Guess they felt a need to change weekly!

  • @georgesmith739
    @georgesmith739 Рік тому +4

    Holley sells the clear plastic sight plugs to make the higher fuel level adjustment. You are supposed to remove them and put the metal ones back in when done adjusting. The problem is that many people left them in thinking they were a suitable replacement or sight glass conversion. Well they would eventually crack or break off and burn down the car. So if you do use them please dont leave them in.

    • @cuzz63
      @cuzz63 Рік тому

      My carb came with them installed and no plugs to replace them with..your claim makes no sense.

    • @georgesmith739
      @georgesmith739 Рік тому

      @@cuzz63 To be clear, Im talking about the clear plastic plugs that screw in like the metal ones, not the many different types clear bowl site windows. If youve got the clear plastic screw in plugs I would replace them with some brass ones. Its only like 5 bucks. Holley does not sell the clear plastic ones anymore. Probably because of the fire hazard if left in.

    • @cuzz63
      @cuzz63 Рік тому

      @@georgesmith739 thanks.

  • @outlawbillionairez9780
    @outlawbillionairez9780 Рік тому +2

    I can't wait for the next upcoming carb video ☺️!

  • @69dodgecharger440
    @69dodgecharger440 Рік тому +2

    Great topic! I ran into sight glass thing! Good knowing to start at the bottom! Awesome thanks!

  • @Andrew-xf3wb
    @Andrew-xf3wb Рік тому +2

    PLEASE MORE CARBURETOR VIDEOS!!

  • @thetransformatorium7980
    @thetransformatorium7980 Рік тому +2

    This was an Excellent explanation Tony! Thank you.

  • @gutsanglory1
    @gutsanglory1 Рік тому

    Rev that engine a few times with the accelerator pumps to bring your level back down after you lower your float. Always do float adjustments in small amounts and allow the carb bowl level to to stabilize after you've used some of the fuel (Idling or revving).
    Good info Tony, Thanks!
    Cheerz!!!!

  • @randysoong6129
    @randysoong6129 Рік тому +1

    Awesome!

  • @ercost60
    @ercost60 Рік тому +3

    NOT ANOTHER CAEBURETOR VIDEO! Just for you, UncT!

  • @patrickmazzone9066
    @patrickmazzone9066 Рік тому +1

    Awesome Tip !

  • @YODAMAN5
    @YODAMAN5 Рік тому

    AWESOME vid UT....great info ty....MOPAR 4 EVER.

  • @Pyneultimatemusic
    @Pyneultimatemusic 5 місяців тому

    found this video while trying to adjust a holley on a 351 winsor in a boat. great tips along with other videos from utg on it. one stipulation i had was my carb had no screw on top for float adjustment! im assuming its a fixed hight float version

  • @yehornaumov5893
    @yehornaumov5893 Рік тому

    Carburetor is an art to adjust 💯👍

  • @craigvoclain1406
    @craigvoclain1406 11 місяців тому

    I now know why my brawler 650 is running rich. I thought the sight glass should be filled to the top which is how it came set. But no it needs to be just at the bottom of the sight glass. I'll adjust it tomorrow morning and see.

  • @BallastResistor99
    @BallastResistor99 Рік тому

    Six Pack outboard carbs with the sight plug hole lower than the center carb. Always used a temporary clear sight plug to set the fuel level to the center of the sight plug hole. I wonder how many people do not realize the difference and have issues with low fuel level in the outboards.

  • @shotsrodder
    @shotsrodder Рік тому

    Great tip 👍

  • @Vaino_Hotti
    @Vaino_Hotti Рік тому

    Also the relatively cheap Holley Street Avenger carbs come with the sight glasses.

  • @MartinRanger65
    @MartinRanger65 Рік тому

    I ❤ Carb video’s … Just a Ford Guy👍🏼

  • @bobsmith-mh7xz
    @bobsmith-mh7xz Рік тому +1

    I never messed around with Holley carbs.. crazy huh… 40 years of messing with engines.. I acquired a quadrajet replacement spread bore Holley .. NOS 750 cfm. Now I have some more basic knowledge in case I use that carb on one of my Buicks… however I am one of those quadrajet nuts… 😁

  • @rondpert5167
    @rondpert5167 Рік тому

    Once I had a Holley carb where the float adjustment was reversed.
    The screw was the adjustment and the nut was the lock.

  • @shootermcgavin2819
    @shootermcgavin2819 Рік тому

    love these videos

  • @rctopfueler2841
    @rctopfueler2841 Рік тому +1

    i dont mind the carb videos love em just needs to have some alternate brand show how too. rochesters are awsome carbs too

  • @jamesretired5979
    @jamesretired5979 Рік тому +2

    I love Carburetor videos.

  • @JosephTerlingo
    @JosephTerlingo Рік тому +1

    UT could you do a video on summit carbs ?

  • @craigbrown603
    @craigbrown603 2 місяці тому

    Excellent

  • @jasonkaiser5150
    @jasonkaiser5150 Рік тому +2

    Can you do setting up carburetor for turbos?

  • @zappa3543
    @zappa3543 Рік тому +2

    Maybe I miss the episode but you never even mentioned the nitrous on that 361 that was the 361 correct

    • @UncleTonysGarage
      @UncleTonysGarage  Рік тому +3

      I have not talked about it yet. When we introduce the car it's going in later this year, I'll go into all the details. And yes, that's the 361

  • @marcstlaurent3719
    @marcstlaurent3719 Рік тому

    Thanks!

  • @rondpert5167
    @rondpert5167 10 місяців тому

    I once had a Holley that was opposite. The screw was the adjustment and the nut was the lock.

  • @chilee6994
    @chilee6994 Рік тому

    Thanks

  • @3rdpig
    @3rdpig Рік тому +2

    As a kid in high school and into my 20's we all knew the "one flat out" adjustment for Holley carbs. If you have the sight glass and raised it too much do you really need to drain the bowl? Can't you just let the engine burn some of it after lowering the float? Or is that too slow? Seems like the accelerator pump with the engine running would lower it pretty quickly.

  • @JoshF89
    @JoshF89 Рік тому

    I love carb videos

  • @dadalebreton184
    @dadalebreton184 Рік тому +1

    You just tweeked my racing knowledge one flat backward. There is always place for improvement, if not reinforcing the existing one. For the Backyard DIY mecanic, we dont set caburators every weeks. Well actually we do but not always the right way! Next stop.
    Miramichi dragway park in May. After the snow melts.

  • @MrWsGTORebuild
    @MrWsGTORebuild 10 місяців тому

    Good, another carburetor video!

  • @pauljohanson7643
    @pauljohanson7643 Рік тому +2

    I had problems when I was in my 20's (35 years ago now) with adjusting Holley 4 bbl floats. On the primary side (front), the fuel will go down a bit from the idle circuit, but even with the plugs (rather than sight glasses) it took me a bit to figure out how to set the rear float level right.

  • @Tk-ou9ec
    @Tk-ou9ec Рік тому

    I used edelbrock carbs. Not as easy to adjust floats on one of these. But once done,they work well.

  • @r1learner178
    @r1learner178 Рік тому +2

    The only problem with adjusting the old ones so fuel will just run out is when the motor is shaking around because of the cam, it gets hard to do.

  • @venombob3364
    @venombob3364 Рік тому +1

    we need the carb vidz keep it up Tony

  • @ShawnD1027
    @ShawnD1027 Рік тому +1

    Minor quibble, but it's important to get the terminology correct to minimize confusion. You said you're adjusting the "float bowl" multiple times starting at 2:12, but you're not adjusting the float bowl, you're adjusting the float. The float is inside the float bowl, which is the housing.