need help with H flooding

Hey guys, I need help with my H. It's a 49 gas model, serial number FBH 303909 X1 or XI (not positive) Anyway, the carb on this thing floods really easily. You can crank & crank & it won't start. Choke it for more than 2 revolutions, and there's gas coming out of the carb. But dad pulled a couple of the spark plugs yesturday after this happened & they were dry. With gas draining out of the carb, I'd think the plugs would be wet? What are we doing wrong? Float level set to high? Dad's about to start using ether, and I just hate the stuff. I removed it yesturday, split it, checked the float & float valve & put a new gasket in it. Everything looked fine. Is this the correct carb? Anyone have a good carb they want to send to a good home? I'm sick of this POS. Once it's running & warmed up, it'll restart fine. The carb has these numbers on them 6212-DB

Bob

I think your carb is probably just fine.

Seems like these old gals all start the same and will all do what you are describing if you are trying to start it cold with a closed or nearly closed throttle.

The key is in the throttle because if it is closed (or almost closed), it won't allow the engine to get enough air.

When she is cold, crack the throttle to 1/2 or 2/3, choke it, and just as soon as it starts, push the choke completely back in. Then, you have to "work" or "feather" the choke just a little 'till she levels out.

They just can't stand a lot of choke (even when they are cold), especially with the throttle closed down.

That's been my experience anyway,

Allan

Yes, I've done that too...depending on the time of year.

There is just something about that updraft design in that it doesn't like a lot of choke.

The amazing thing is that they all seem to start alike. Too much choke and the fuel just runs out of 'em.

Although, come to think of it, that extra fuel is kept away from the plugs this way and the old sweethearts don't get "flooded" per se.

Later,

Allan