starting

[John MacDonald]

I can't seem to get my 239 flathead to idle plus developed a miss, carb and fuel pump either rebuilt or new, always have to pour gas down carb if car sits more than a couple days to get to start. John

[Gene1949]

Gas tank junk, Rusty fuel lines and deteriorating hoses.
The whole fuel system needs to be taken out of the car cleaned and repaired or replaced.

[tubman]

It sounds like the gas is draining out of the carburetor due to a leaking or defective power valve. Take the carb off, remove the air horn, sit it in a pan, and fill the bowl with gasoline. Put a piece of paper or aluminum foil over it to minimize evaporation. Check the fuel level the next morning. If it's down significantly, you've found at least part of your problem.

Even if the carburetor is new or rebuilt, one backfire can damage the power valve. Also, there is a chance that the power valve may not be correct for your carburetor. Later model Holley's used a power valve the looks almost exactly like the proper one for an early carb, but the transition between the threaded part and the body is different, which can also lead to leaks.

[aussie merc]

with tubman on this one what make/model carb are you running as they all have their own special needs

[John MacDonald]

will try that tonight, carb is holly94 model 59

[Ggmac]

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John , where do you live ?
Gary MacDonald

[John MacDonald]

Kingston, Ontario, Canada
I did like Tubmansaid and pulled air horn and filled bowl with fuel, immediately fuel started running out of bottom of main nozzles and then leveled off. Is that normal, will check level in morning