Sticking Holley Floats

[jdv69z]

I have been experiencing float sticking with my 69 Z. Holley 4053 reproduction unit with plastic floats. As a result, needle is not seating. Results in flooding, leaking fuel, etc. Seems to happen on the secondary side after sitting for a while. After removing the bowl and playing with the float, it's fine. I guessing the fuel in the bowl is drying out over time and then the seat needle sticks open? Anyone else with this experience? Is this the result of today's ethanol based fuel? Any prevention thoughts?

[janobyte]

Try running the Holley Viton tipped.

[69Z28-RS]

Ethanol based fuel has screwed up every OLDER engine I've put it in, so I've changed my habits.   I HOPE I never have to put ethanol in an older engine again!~

[Gramps69Z]

Had the same problem after the car sit for a while.  Installed these and "knock on wood" haven't had the problem since.  Comes one to a package.
I also run non-ethanol fuel now.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qft-18-2qft

[jdv69z]

OK, so I have a lot of Holley spare parts. How do I identify Viton tips? Are they marked or numbered?

[Kelley W King]

The lube for the float hinge is gas. When they are dry they will stick. This true on carbs other than Holleys. You might have fuel evaporating or leaking over time if it sits long. Also ethanol fuels evaporates faster and leaves that varnish stuff behind. Better seats are great but if the hinge it sticking they won,t help. Driving it more would most likely cure your problem.

[jdv69z]

Yeah Kelley what you say makes sense. The needle is sticking in the open position, and thus the flooding. So it's not seated at that point. I think I need to establish a run schedule in the winter, even if I can't drive it due to the weather. I'd really rather get it out and drive it when I run it, but I guess idling for 20-30 minutes would have to do. Seems hard on the plugs though. Does revving it a few times in place help clean the plugs any?

[Kelley W King]

Since 2 of my cars have tripower the sticking float thing happens more than normal. I have even put gas down the vent tube on some that have set up for real long periods overnight before starting to get gaskets to swell and lube up parts. I try to start mine every once in a while and bring them up to temp even when I can,t drive them. And yes I do rev them some just to clear out stuff.

[Fred Mertz]

This is just a suggestion.   If you have center pivot floats take the screw out of the top (don't move the hex nut) Spray a quick squirt a carb cleaner down the hole. Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.  It might get rid a a little varnish buildup.

[x66 714]

You might not have a float sticking. I found the o-ring around the needle & seat leaking past. I replaced them & problem solved. Just a thought...Joe

[PHAT69AMX]

Various Stainless Steel and Titanium Needles & Seats available on the Holley site.
Modern Gas blend needs those to function, survive, not Viton Tip, no ?

[firstgenaddict]

I was having multiple fuel related issues earlier this year. I started running a mixture of SUNOCO and ZERO ethanol THEN I switched to running straight SUNOCO 110 and have been so much happier, still evaporates from the fuel bowls with-in a week, however after pulling and checking there is NO residue whatsoever.
I SERIOUSLY doubt I will ever run anything else.