Well, I think the points were the problem, it looks like someone else was trying to start it before I got to it,and put in the wrong points set. It had a one of those "uniset" points sets where the condenser if part of the point assembly, and it had the correct condensor was well. Don't know if that makes a difference or not, but I replaced everything from the coil to the plugs. To check for spark, I unhooked the #1 plug wire and connected it to an old spark plug, and watched for spark while cranking the engine. When I did this it almost started! Didn't want that to happen! I still need to change the coolant, oil, oil filter, fuel filter and fuel pump! Thanks for the pointers guys!
Don't forget to rebuild the Carb, If gas was coming out the top of the carb when you crank it the rubber on the needle seats is likely to be shot. Good Luck!
If this is the case, I'll be putting on my 750cfm late model AFB that I had on my skylark back when it still had the 350 in it. It would be cheaper to use that than to do a rebuild! (and this is definitely a budget ride, I only paid $400 for it!) Thanks!!
Scott, you can get a carb kit from Terrill Machine for $25. I bought a couple and they are nice and complete. 254-893-2610 they are in DeLeon TX. No website. Real nice and freindly. They have all kinds of old Buick engine parts. They advertise in Hemming's Motor News.
The fuel shooting out of the top of the carbs was caused by the engine misfiring and lightly backfiring through the intake. When the points are mis-set or the timing is too advanced, the fuel ignites with the intake valve open. This pressurizes the intake and forces fuel out of the bowls back out the breather jets on top of the carbs. Your carbs are probably fine--you were just seeing the symptoms of your ignition system problem. I have seen it happen many, many times when I was starting up an engine I had the distributor out of and was trying to get the timing close enough so it would start. If I had it too advanced, it would cough back and shoot fuel out the vents on top of the carb.
