Without taking the carb top off, the only way you can "check" the float level is to look down inside while the engine is running and look for droplets of gas (kind of a fog) being drawn into the motor. At idle, NO gas should be evident. When you rev the motor up, you will see gas coming out of the center venturi and pulled downward by the airflow. This is NOT a reliable way to determine float level, only to do a quick check and see if there is a major problem.
The proper way to check the float is to take the top of the carb off and weigh the float and compare it to a new one. If the old one is somewhat heavier (or a lot), then it will allow the fuel level to be too high, and the motor will run rich. Sometimes just looking at the float will indicate there is some rotten parts to it, and should be replaced. While the top is off, the float level adjustment can be measured, but you would need some additional information to do that. The best place to get the info is to purchase a carb rebuild kit and look at the instruction and data sheets. You will need to read the carb number off the side of the carb body first in order to purchase the correct kit.
There is also a machine called an infrared analyzer that is used to test the exhaust. Used along with a diagnostic scope by a good mechanic, it can tell you whether the carburetor is the problem or maybe if the ignition system is at fault. Without one or the other machine (or both), it's rather difficult to fix the car without just throwing money and parts at it.
If you don't have any tools or experience, your best bet may be to find a shop that has this equipment and hire them to do the testing and work, and watch if they'll let you. By the way, I agree with Dennis on the possibility of a bad muffler. You will need a vacuum gage to test that. If you're determined to do it yourself, then write back and we'll keep this going. Doing it yourself is the best way to learn
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David
newbie #4153
edit: I also agree with Dennis that the other checks such as compression, timing, etc. be done as part of an overall inspection of the car. If there is a basic problem with the inside of the motor, then nothing you do on the outside will help much.
[This message has been edited by just a six (edited 08-11-2003).]
