Help with Possible Carb problems

[FAL]

First off the patient is a 1977, 351W with a Carter AFB competition carb, all put together by the previous owner.

A few days ago, I was having trouble getting it started in my parking deck so I gave it a healthy dose of starter fluid and tried again. After cranking for a while again, I got the loudest backfire I have ever heard (maybe because I was in the bottom of the parking deck) and got a huge plum of dark smoke out of the exhaust. I stopped trying after with my ears ringing and smoke everywhere.

I know nothing about carburetors, but figure this shouldn't be a fuel issue as even with starter fluid it wasnt starting. I'm guessing it has to be something with the carb, but I have no idea what.

Suggestions on where to go from here? If rebuilding it is the best option, so be it, just some advice is needed.

 

[broncnaz]

#1 dont use starting fluid it can cause big issues if to much is used.
#2 your engine was flooded when you tried to start it. The plugs became fouled and thats why it wouldnt start even with starting fluid and once it did all the fuel in the exhuast caught causing your big cloud of smoke.
#3 go to edelbrocks website and download instructions for there performer carbs they are the same carb as your carter. The instructions will help you fix your issues.
#4 either your choke is not adjusted properly, or your fuel level is to high and its flooding the engine.
Also improper ignition timing can also cause hard starting might want to check there. Might be a good idea to do a complete tune up plugs, wires, cap/rotor, air fliters ect.

I would rebuild your carb they are pretty simple and oncve you've done iut you may understand your carb better. Which is a good thing to know.

 

[FAL]

I appreciate it broncnaz.

I think I might try to do some rebuilding this weekend then.

 

[DirtDonk]

And if you haven't already, just make sure you're getting a consistent spark in the first place. An intermittent spark can cause similar issues too.
And it just helps to rule one more thing out, so you don't end up chasing your tail around in circles.

Paul