Expert: Robert Summers - 12/13/2007

Question
sorry so vague. i have a rebuilt 350 {carb}in a 79 pickup chev. almost no miles on it. but never ran right.  got a terrible gas smell in the oil. ive heard it can be a faulty fuel pump. mine is mech. guess ill have to just start eliminating things. this motor is built up a little with 305 heads and flat top pistons over size valves but just over stock cam. possibly could u
give some hints as to the proper timing and idle speed. i got it set at 8 degr. btdc at about 750 idle. manual trans.

Answer
Hi Chris...yes it could be bad seal in fuel pump...or look down the carb and see if after shut down it bleeds down the intake (sticking float) 8 deg timing should be real close. before changing make sure you have ported vacum to the dist.( no vacum at idle and increasing as you throttle up) if ok try advancing a degree and drive the truck and if better try another till it starts to run bad then go back a degree...hope this helps...Merry christmas