rebuilt quadrajets

Had a friend rebuild my quadrajets,..........he's not a MARINE mechanic,................although a mechanic.
Since the rebuild the carbs seem "empty" of fuel after sitting idle for more than a few days. Once running the engines seem to run fine(crusader small block gm 350cu in) although I can't get past 4200 rpm on full power (factory props)..
Question is.........what's causing the fuel to drain out of the bowls?
Is that actually happening?

Harry

 

How do you know the bowls are empty, did you take the top off to look?

 

No,....however there is no fuel available ( visable,looking into the carb) in pumping the throttle until the engines are cranked over a few times.............then they fire immediately................until the next time they have been idle for a few days.

 

It is normal for fuel to evaporate in a hot engine room. That is why you need to run the blower for several minutes before cranking the engine. I wonder if the fuel level is set too low. It would require taking the carb apart to check it. 4200 RPM is on the low end of the specs. It means the setup is giving you good fuel economy but is a bit sluggish on the hole shot.

 

This condition is a large change from before the rebuild,..........it took a while for me to realize what was happening. I've been reading about leaking plugs in the bottom of the carb but haven't gotten to the boat in a few months.
I definately feel that fuel needs to be "replenished" at the carb before the engines will fire. A day or so between runnings does not produce the same condition as both engines will fire immediately, as they are supposed to.