76 mariner 28ft twin 302 carb issue

[Lake Erie Monster]

I am a former mechanic and i hate carbs with a passion, perhaps its because im a young wippersnapper and can't figure out where to hook up the lap top. any way i just bought a 76 28ft mariner with twin pleasurecraft 302 fords and v drives. port engine fires right up and i mean right up. starboard fights you then floods and blows black smoke after a few minutes. so i tried a simple trick and swapped the carbs. starboard now happier than a clam. the previous owner had both carbs rebuilt last year and had continual problems with the starboard engine and had that carb rebuilt 2 more times to no avail. i have recipts for the services. is there somewhere on this toilette like fuel delivery system than can be cracked and causing it to pour fuel into the manifold? or possible something that is easily overlooked when rebuilding a holley 4 barrel? I'd rather not have to buy a new or remaned carb if i can fix it easily.

[waybomb]

Do you know how to set the fuel level?
Do a youtube search for Holley Fuel Level. You are bound to find a half dozen videos of how to do it.
Holleys' floats are adjusted AFTER they are hooked up to the fuel system. You can guess pretty good with the fuel bowl off, but to get exact, must have the engine running.
Holleys are great carbs.
And there are more than enough videos and instructions on how to set them up.

[throwback2]

I hate holley carbs.If you can, buy an Edelbrock to replace it.You won't be sorry.I had trouble with Rochester Quadrajets that were emptying out when the boat sat more than 2 days.The new edelbrocks started 'em up like you just shut the engines off.Still running great after 4 yrs.

[waybomb]

Sorry, I disagree. The holley's a very fixable. And very adjustable for your application, whatever it may be.
The Rochesters leaking is a simple $5.00 epoxy fix.
Edelbrocks have their problems as well.
FWIW, my other boat has 6 Holley's on it. There's not much you can screw up on them.
Do not waste your money on a new carb; fix what ya got. Use the money saved for gas. It ain't gettin' cheaper.

[waybomb]

There's also an ebay seller selling 1.5 hour long DVDs for 20 bucks.
No, it's not me, I don't know the seller, I have never seen the dvd, but at an hour and half, it should be a good learning experience.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DVD-VIDEO-MANUAL-ON-HOW-TO-REBUILD-A-HOLLEY-FOUR-BARREL-CARBURETOR-KIT-4-CARB-/370587668540?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5648bf103c&vxp=mtr

[Lake Erie Monster]

for 20 bux i think ill splerge and give it a try, thanks

[throwback2]

Agree to disagree!I know the $5 epoxy trick but the fuel was draining back down the line.I had a check valve in the carb filter that helped but once I tried the EB,problem solved.

[Lake Erie Monster]

so i ordered a new one from summit racing, (they had marine carbs in stock). the one i ordered was for a ford, so i just boogied down there and picked it up as im not too far away. i got it home and just found out that its for a 351. there were no listings for one for a 302 and their web site just said ford. it looks identical to the one i have and the gaskets interchange. am i ok to run this. should i swap the jets from the bad one. btw i had an old mechanic look at it and he said it is likely beyond its useful like and recommended getting a new one.

[eric_b]

You should be ok with it. I did a quick google search and they appear to use the same carb.

[Lake Erie Monster]

going to try to tune it all up next weekend and get her ready for launch, if anyone wants to join me in pymatuning ohio for some help there may be beer and pizza for all involved