Well, I continue to have the engine run extremely rich. I have the mixture screw backed almost all the way out on the Holley 1945 and I still am producing too much black carbonand get bad mileage (12mpg at best). It is not burning oil and there are no vacuum leaks. Perhaps there is something clogged up internally or the floats are too high even though set to specs? Any suggestions? I have tried over 6 different 1920's and they run horribly. This is the only decent running carb. I have been unable to locate a Carter alternative as well. Looks like my only choice is to get this 1945 tuned up right. Thanks as always for the great feedback.

Mike

Even at this late date, just about any SLant-6 carburetors are NOT that hard to find. I see 'em go by on Ebay from time to time. There are a bunch of carb specialists in Hemmings, pick up a copy at your local newsstand. Heck, for that matter, open your local yellow pages and look under carburetors -- most areas have several carb guys who have sheds and shops and basements and barrels full of carburetors, and they'll usually either build one for you or sell you one to build. Old Carb Doctor, 800-945-CARB. Want one in a box, ready to bolt on? Holley Remanufacturing (branch of Holley Carb Co, but they do all makes of carbs) item number 641078, 1974-spec Carter BBS. Jobber Warehouse, http://www.jobbersinc.com/tomco.htm , has Tomco rebuilts. So does CarbSpec, http://www.carbspec.com/ . Core World, http://www.cfiworld.com/autoparts/cores_more/cores.htm , sells carb cores for you to rebuild. On and on and on...they are readily available pretty much anywhere. Go get one!

Also be advised that if your engine is running extremely rich, it may not be the carburetor's fault. Sniff the oil dipstick carefully -- smell fuel? You probably have a torn fuel pump diaphragm putting gas in the crankcase, then the vapors are drawn into the engine via the PCV valve (try removing it from the valve cover and letting it suck outside air...does the black smoke go away?).

Here y'go: An early '70s Carter BBS carb, ready to run:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... ename=WDVW

I always appreciate the great advice here. Slant Dan, I am leaning toward your theory at the moment. The fuel pump is new, however I have noticed it is making a noise now so I'll bet that is a good first option. I also still have the 1920 and may try another rebuild and more tinkering with it. It actually ran well but after 3 acel pumps, it was still woefully whimpy when hitting the gas. What has been puzzling me was how the air filter could be clogged with this stuff so now I have something to look at. I'll also investigate Carters since I noticed everyone here seems to prefer those. Thanks again everyone.

Mike

I believe you hit the problem perfectly Dan. I replaced the fuel pump, changed oil, replaced the air filter, breather filter and PCV. Thus far it seems to run a lot cleaner. Mileage boosted to 12 mpg. I still need to improve that but I wanted to wait until all was cleaned out. I will also replace the plugs as I am sure they are nasty. Then I need to see about better mileage. I think the mixture screw is almost all the way out on the 1945. I might try the 1920 again or get a BBS from one of the sites someone posted. Thank you so much everyone.

Mike