Weber woes, Please save me from insanity Options

[wbgoggans]

I’m at my wits’ end with my Webers.

They’re a pair of Spanish 44 IDFs. I’m running a fuel pressure regulator set at 2.5 psi, have set and verified float levels at least half a dozen times, and have rebuilt them again, and again, and then again for good measure.

Despite all of that, I’m still getting fuel in the crankcase.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out where the fuel is coming from. At this point, I’m so frustrated that I can’t tell up from down anymore, and I don’t feel like I’m following a logical diagnostic path.

Before I bite the bullet and spend $1,000 on a new set of Webers—or $400 on some Chinese knockoffs—would anyone be willing to take a look at these carbs? I’d be more than happy to pay shipping both ways and compensate you for your time if you can figure out what’s going on.

I’ve got a serious case of sunk-cost fallacy at this point, but more than anything I’d just love to understand what I’m missing so I can finally sleep at night.

For those about to suggest the basics: fuel pressure has been verified at 2.5 psi, float levels have been set and rechecked multiple times, the needle and seats have been inspected and replaced, and the problem persists. The fuel tank sits lower than the carburetors, so gravity feed should not be a factor.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

[Chad911sc]

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I agree with Ninja.
My 2056 wouldn’t run correctly through the transitions in my Spanish Webers until I put the 28 vents back in it. And that’s on 40 Idfs. I did end up getting it tuned in nicely with some 30 vents, but it took a lot of trial and error to get there. 44’s are big for 2.0

[wbgoggans]

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I agree with Ninja.
My 2056 wouldn’t run correctly through the transitions in my Spanish Webers until I put the 28 vents back in it. And that’s on 40 Idfs. I did end up getting it tuned in nicely with some 30 vents, but it took a lot of trial and error to get there. 44’s are big for 2.0

A few more details to answer some of the questions:

My fuel pressure regulator and gauge are both brand new from Summit. Both have good reviews, so I’m reasonably confident that the pressure reading is accurate.

I know fuel is getting into the crankcase because the oil level is rising, the oil is noticeably diluted, and it smells strongly of gasoline. I’ve also placed blue shop towels between the carbs and manifolds overnight. When I return the next morning, there are noticeable fuel stains on the towels. This morning, I repeated the experiment with the fuel pump turned on, and the towels were soaked within five minutes.

My float level is currently set at just a hair over 10 mm.

As for jetting, I know the venturis are 28 mm and the idle jets are 55s. I believe the mains are 110s with 190 air correctors, although I don’t have my notes in front of me at the moment.

I’m aware that 44 IDFs are larger than ideal for a 1.7. However, from what I’ve been told, the 28 mm venturis should make them reasonably manageable. I’d certainly be interested in hearing others’ thoughts on that.

That said, I don’t believe my primary issue is simply that the engine is running rich. Fuel is literally leaking from somewhere even with the engine not running. If I turn on the fuel pump and let the car sit, fuel eventually finds its way out of the carburetors, down the manifolds, and into the engine.