1970 Ford Ranchero Car won't start, gas coming out of carb,

fredcespedes · Posted at Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:41 am

Engine Performance problem
1970 Ford Ranchero V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 50,000 miles

Hello - I have a 70 Ranchero (351C 4V), with a Holley 750 Carb (with manual choke), I ran out of gas the other day, and in the process flooded the engine trying to get it started after I filled it with gas. I had no starting fluid so poured a bit of gas into the carb, first time I have done this. After the car sitting for more than 24hrs, I attempted it to start again, only to have the engine (carb area) catch on fire. I was able to put it out, but the reason was because gas was pouring out of carb. Did I ruin it by puring gas in there. I am scared to try it again, but I know it's becuase the engine is flooded, this has happended many times before and I always get it started. But because gas was pouring out of the carb this time I am scared to try again If I do want to try it again on my own, how long should I wait before I try to start it. I have a on/off option with my fuel pump, will that do anything?

On top of this, at one point I pulled key out of ignition, but the power stayed on in the car, this is the first time this has happened. Battery died as well, but I was able to jump it so that it can get some juice. Then I read something about when an engine is flooded, it will not let the starter function correctly. Please help! I don't want to have to spend an arm and leg to get this fixed. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time and help!

Freddy

2CarPro Jack · Posted at Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:33 am

One at a time.Lets stop the fuel flow before worrying about the battery.Holleys are famous for sticking the needle and seats, that is why fuel is pouring out of it.Is it the front float bowl or the rear or both?.Either way, fuel pump off, loosen the straight blade screw on top of the float bowl about 1/4 turn.Then unscrew the nut under it (counterclockwise) while counting the number of turn.This is the needle and seat.Once out you will most likely see something hanging it up, clean it and reinstall.After the car starts, remove the small plug about 1/2 way up the side of the float bowl, this is to check float level. Gas should be just below bottom of hole, if you bump the car, fuel should just come out, same goes for front and rear.You may need new gaskets for the screw and adjusting nut. Or you can try tapping on top of the screw with a plastic screwdriver handle it will probably free it up, I just prefer to clean them out

fredcespedes · Posted at Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:28 am

Thanks for the response. I will try these out and see what comes of it. ALthough I'll be on vacation for next few weeks so may have to wait. Talk to you all in a few weeks. Thanks for your time!

2CarPro Jack · Posted at Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:19 am

No problem......... Have a good vacation