Setting float valve on Holley 4550

[John Haynes]

How is the best way to set the float valve on a Holley 4550? It runs well, just leaks. Suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!

[Mark Gregush]

Where and when? Does it leak while running? Do you have a shut off valve at the carb?

[John Haynes]

It leaks when it is running and not running. I do not have a fuel shut off at the carb. It is difficult to tell where it is leaking.....looks like the bottom of the bowl but shows fuel on top that may be wicked from the top of the bowl.

[Mark Gregush]

Have you sealed the cork float? Sounds like one of two issues to start with, the float is sinking or the shut off valve is not sealing. If one or both, they need to be taken care of before you could go on to checking for the correct fuel level. If the float has not been coated with fuel/alcohol proof dope it may have broken down and the porous cork is taking on fuel and sinking.
Looking at the one I have sitting in front of me right now; the bowl sit into a groove in the body and the nut that holds it on has a razed area that work as a seal at the bottom of the bowl. If it is leaking at the bottom, could be the nut is on upside down or the area where is seals is not flat or razed area on nut is damaged. I don't think that ether the bowl or nut had a gasket, so you may want to add one between the nut and bowl. (if not a sinking float or bad shut off valve)
I will add the best way to set the float is to have a copy of "Ford Service"or the clubs publication "The Ford Carburetor". Both can be gotten from any of the T parts dealers. The instructions are contained within ether.

[John Haynes]

Thanks Mark! I appreciate the info!

[Corey Walker]

Inside the groove in the body should be a small cotton rope type gasket and the bottom uses the same gasket as a Holley G.