Posted by Kanavas on April 03, 2000 at 23:21:33:
In Reply to: Engine running rough and lots exhaust.... posted by Doug Higgins on April 02, 2000 at 23:36:15:
Float level..
Unless something is missing, such as a check ball under the accelerator pump, an air pilot jet, or something else drastic, it's usually float level.
Seems that the factory setting on float level is usually wrong, especially if an aftermarket float needle/seat has been installed. (As 99% of these things have)
Get it running, then shut it off and remove the carb top. Betcha you'll see the fuel level is quite near the top surface of the carb.
Is the float leaking? Remove it and shake it and listen for gas sloshing within it. If so, poke two tiny holes in it, drain and dry it, then a touch of solder to seal the holes.
If all is well with the float, lower the float level a ton. Should run better. Drive it and again lower the float level till it runs nice. Repeat this procedure until you are happy with the operation. Took me about 3 hours and 4 settings! Don't go too low, or throttle response will be crappy, and you could also be too lean at road speeds.
I don't recall if your '54 has the same square top Ball&Ball carb that my '48 has. Once float level is adjusted seemingly correctly, the B&B will still semi flood if you do a short blip on the pedal and let it return to idle. That stupid vacuum operated accelerator pump will be a bit lean on takeoff, unless you let the clutch out at about 900 rpm, as I do, or whomp down on the pedal.
The little screw you were turning is the idle mixture. Once you get the float and or other problems corrected, just set it for best idle.
** Check your oil to be sure it hasn't been diluted with gas. Not to be confused with frijole and Corona gas..
sak