holley question

Okay, so I rebuilt the holley on my '77 martinique.

Now for the problems...I can't get it to run properly again. I can only get it started by really pumping the throttle and it will only keep running at about 1/4 or so throttle, it won't idle at all.

When it is running, it is very smoky - indicating running way to rich?

I have tried adjusting the idle set screws to no avail.

Where should I start to try to get this beast running for the few remaining weeks of our michigan indian summer.

On the driver side, there should be a brass screw on the side of the bowl. This is the fuel level sight hole. While the boat is running check the fuel level with the screw out. If fuel is running out the hole, the float is too high. On top, there should be a screw with a jam nut.(where needle valve is) Loosen the jam nut and turn the screw counterclockwise to lower the float until fuel will not spill out the hole, then tighten the jam nut while holding the screw in place.

I noticed when I did this is that if you use a PCV spacer the gasket set you typically buy for a carb at a auto parts store won't be big enough for one side of the PCV spacer, I had a big vacuum leak and it sounds just like your problem. Take the PCV spacer off if you use one and lay the gasket on both sides and see if it covers completely.

power valve , any parts store got it , numbers on the side