I just put a kit in my one barrel carb on my 1950 flat head six. It started up fine and idled but I have a fuel leak when I pump the throttle. I took the top off of the carb with it still on the truck to pinpoint the problem. When the pump is actuated fuel comes up to the split line, past the "Pump Discharge Needle" and the pressure is enough for the fuel to shoot out of the split line of the main body. If you have a manual, the "pump discharge needle" can be seen if Fig 59 on page 110. I also noticed that when I took the carb apart the first time, I never saw the "pump check ball" and the "pump check ball retainer", There was a retainer holding the "pump discharge needle" in place but I never found a ball and from the picture in the manual I can't tell where the ball is supposed to be installed. Now I'll get to my questions.

1. Is the leak I'm experiencing at the split line a simple split line leak that needs more attention or am I missing something else? With the top half off of the carb I can cover the hole over the pump discharge needle with my finger and when I move the pump it shoots a nice streem into the throat of the carb.

2. Could the check ball cause this problem or is it unrelated?

3. Does anyone have a better picture of a this carb, I can't tell where the ball and retainer are supposed to be from the manual. The number on the carb is a Holly 897.

My grandfather had a guy rebuild this carb a few years back and it never was right, I'm wondering if it has been missing a piece or two for quite a while.

Any help you can give would be appreciated.

 

Is it an 897 or an 847? The reason I am asking is I have an actual manual for the Holley Model 847 Carburetor Downdraft published Dec 12, 1950.

 

If it is the 847 go here.

http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Carbshop_lit.htm#Carb_Holley

Then look for this manual

847 – 1950 Holley Service Manual covering Carburetor Model 847 carburetors as used on Ford Motor Company 6 cylinder passenger cars, trucks, and buses. 8 ½ x 11 inches by 27 pages. EXCELLENT service manual for these carburetors. Exploded diagrams; cutaway diagrams; actual pictures; step by step disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment procedures. Good used condition. Stock number Lit-0122. Price $20.00.

It has the pictures you are looking for and much more, it is worth the money.

I am also going to try and scan it into a PDF no promises it loks like a long process for 26 pages.

 

And just to try to put in my $.02, the check ball could very well cause the problems your describing.

 

The number on the carb is 897. When I bought the rebuild kit the kit number was the same for a 847 and 897, I'm not sure what the difference is or when the carb may have been changed out. This truck entered the family in 1977 and this carb was on it when it was purchased.

 

I sent you a private message I have the 847 manual in PDF if you are interested.

 

Christopher 2, I also sent you a private message.