Holley problems

[dwsa]

I have a holley on a Ford 351 on my 1995 SN, not sure if this was the original setup, but has been running well the last two years that I have owned the boat. I had some upholstery work done so the boat was out of the water, unused for about 3 months. When I got her back 2 weeks ago and put in the water she was difficult to start as the fuel had to get in the carb, but worse than usual, eventually got her fired up but would not idle unless I turned the idle stop screw up 2 -3 turns, idles at 1400 rpm but stalls when put in gear, if very gentle I can ease into gear and get the boat going, but 3000 rpm is max. (was 4000 before). When returning to idle the idle is even higher at 1700 rpm, turning it down to 1000 she stalls, or before stalling fluctuate about 1000 -1200 rpm. I have stripped the carb and cleaned in ultrasonic bath, reassembled with new power valve, but still the same symptoms. Replaced another power valve, this time back fired thru carb so may have to change that one too. Checked for vacuum leaks, can't find any, remounted carb to be sure. Float levels are good. Qustion is: will a bad power vale affect the idle, could it also be bad PCV valve (not changed yet) I was convinced the power valve was at fault, but no... Any help appreciated. Thanks Greg

[krs0394]

RE: Holley problems

Have you checked the timing or the fuel filter. If you had upholstery work done maybe they had the shroud off and bumped one of the plug wires. May want to check your plugs to insure all are firing. Just some random thoughts

[mfloski]

DWSA, I am having VERY similar problems right now with my 99 sport. Had a completely NEW Holly installed at the end of last year....new fuel/water seperator, fresh new tank of gas....still having idle problems and the boat would run for a min. then bog down and die...very hard to start, etc...so i just put a new fuel pump on.....seemed to have fixed most of the problem, however, still having problems when the boat is just barely put in drive it won't stay running....I am thinking that now I have to fine tune the carb. You might want to check your fuel pump....take it off, work the arm and put your thumb over the incoming fuel hole...it should suck your thumb pretty hard.....there is a pressure gauge you can buy, but it is only about $20 cheaper than a new fuel pump off skidim.com....Let me know what you find to be your problem, i am interested.....

[dwsa]

Guess what! after I rebuilt the carb, better but still not right. Today a discovered ignition leads 2 and 3 swapped. They do say check the obvious first!