Float bowl level, Using bowl level gauge Options

[scrz914]

I bought the float bowl gauge from partsklassik to double check my bench settings on the float and needle valve. I was surprised to see the level rise to the top. I shut the pump off before it overflowed. In reading the instructions I noticed it said to do the check while running the engine. I only ran the pump. Is there any reason to believe the levels would be different between running the engine as opposed to just running the pump? Also, is it possible that the needle valve is just sticking? I’ve heard even new needle valves can be problematic.
I have Weber IDA3C.
Here’s the gauge I bought. Not cheap. But it does come with different needle valve shims.

[Superhawk996]

Also, is it possible that the needle valve is just sticking? I’ve heard even new needle valves can be problematic.

To answer your question - the gauge should not have overflowed even with the engine not running.

Yes, the float needle may be sticking - based on your description it most likely is sticking.

Yes, new needles can be problematic. There are two types. One is solid brass or stainless. The other is a solid body but with a viton rubber tip to the needle. Generally speaking, I’ve had better luck with the soft tip needle valves but of course over time the rubber hardens, wears, and then fails to seal. So no perfect solution. Add cheap no-name China made parts to the equation and things get worse.

Note: you don’t mention what your fuel pressure is but carb needles are easily overwhelmed if your fuel pressure is too high - generally 3 psi or so is plenty.