Leaky 67 4160

[Jake Sovia]

I recently rebuilt the 4160 Holley carb for my 67 L79. The carb was performing fine, but it sat on a shelf for about 2 years during a resto. Many suggested the carb should be rebuilt if it sat and dryed out for so long, because it would leak, so I did. I used a basic kit that included gaskets and seals. The engine runs great and the carb doesn't appear to leak, while the engine is running. After turning the engine off and waiting, fuel puddles on both sides of the intake. I can find where this leak is coming from and it doesn't seem to leak while running. The intake was machined flat, I've read through the Haynes Holley tech book, and the Chassis Service Manual and the Overhaul Manual, and tried searching the archives. Suggestions, help, thank you.

[Bill Baird]

Re: Leaky 67 4160

Is the fuel puddling on the inside of the intake or on the outside?

Bill Baird

[Jake Sovia]

Re: Leaky 67 4160

Hello Bill, the fuel is puddling on the outside of the intake, both sides, approximately a tablespoons worth. Any ideas. Thanks.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Leaky 67 4160

Assuming that the floats are set right, the most common problem is leaking in to the rear barrels from the metering block. If its excessive it could seep out the throttle shafts. Run the engine for a few minutes with the air cleaner off, shut it off and look over into the rear barrels you will see them getting wet. Then you got it, Hollyites. If so you will have work on the metering block.

[Jim T.]

Re: Leaky 67 4160

I had this same kind of leak from my L79 with a Holley. I adjusted the float level lower and corrected the problem. Just lower yours and see if it helps. If your gaskets are new enough, it will only cost you your time. I took a empty small plastic brake fluid container and cut it so it would fit under the bottom fuel bowl and used it to collect the gas in the fuel bowl when I loosened the bottom bolt and removed it. It saves a lot of mopping up fuel on the intake.

[Gene M.]

Re: Leaky 67 4160

Jake, I had run into this problem myself. The secondary meter block was warped. Replaced the meter block and leak was gone. Be sure to check flatness of meter block mounting surface on carb body.