The Ford Barn

SoCalCoupe · 03-23-2025, 03:42 PM

I have an original Tri-Power setup (3 Holley 2-bbls) on my ’62 Galaxie, and it’s very hard to start when hot. It will eventually fire with the accelerator floored and lots of cranking. I’ve seen similar issues fixed with new condensers and coils, but that hasn’t helped. Plug wires check out, so I don’t think ignition is the issue.

I’ve gone through float levels, carb linkage, idle throttle positions, and idle mixture extensively, following 3deucesV2 from HPTrends.com, and I believe it’s well-tuned.

However, when the engine is warm, turned off, and sitting still, I notice fuel vapor rising from the middle carb. The float level looks fine through the sight hole, so I suspect a leak—possibly in the idle circuit, bowl, or metering block gaskets. Warped mating surfaces on the bowl and metering block could also be a factor.

Another issue: the car idles well after a cold start (choke off), but once fully warmed up, it stalls when I let off the gas and push in the clutch. Raising the idle speed helped somewhat, but then I noticed something odd—when coasting and clutching in, the engine stays at a cruising RPM for a few seconds before settling at the new, higher idle. Possibly, I’ve raised the idle into the transition circuit.

My next step is to pull the middle carb and inspect it, but I’d appreciate any recommendations on what to check and anything else to look for.

03-23-2025, 03:42 PM	#1
SoCalCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Point Loma, San Diego, CA Posts: 529	Tri-power issues I have an original Tri-Power setup (3 Holley 2-bbls) on my ’62 Galaxie, and it’s very hard to start when hot. It will eventually fire with the accelerator floored and lots of cranking. I’ve seen similar issues fixed with new condensers and coils, but that hasn’t helped. Plug wires check out, so I don’t think ignition is the issue. I’ve gone through float levels, carb linkage, idle throttle positions, and idle mixture extensively, following 3deucesV2 from HPTrends.com, and I believe it’s well-tuned. However, when the engine is warm, turned off, and sitting still, I notice fuel vapor rising from the middle carb. The float level looks fine through the sight hole, so I suspect a leak—possibly in the idle circuit, bowl, or metering block gaskets. Warped mating surfaces on the bowl and metering block could also be a factor. Another issue: the car idles well after a cold start (choke off), but once fully warmed up, it stalls when I let off the gas and push in the clutch. Raising the idle speed helped somewhat, but then I noticed something odd—when coasting and clutching in, the engine stays at a cruising RPM for a few seconds before settling at the new, higher idle. Possibly, I’ve raised the idle into the transition circuit. My next step is to pull the middle carb and inspect it, but I’d appreciate any recommendations on what to check and anything else to look for.