Heat issues

[rcobrakit67]

I've had my cobra on the road for a few months with hardly any time to work on it lately. Today I went to take it out and it wouldn't idle so I raised the idle. I took it out and it didn't feel right when I let off the throttle it would stay at 1200 rpm and then after about 20 seconds drop down to idle. I only drove it about 10 minutes and then shut it off. The engine was running on after I shut it off. When I got out I noticed the right side of the body was smoking. There was so much heat it started melting the body. I'm not sure if I have too much advance in the distributor, the fuel was boiling, or carb was dumping too much fuel or an other issue I'm missing any thoughts would be appreciated. The engine temp stays at 190 it was not overheating. The engine is a 408 with cast rhs heads and mechanical advance. Holley 780 carb. Thanks Richie

[mln385]

sounds like your float may be stuck.

[Argess]

sounds like your distributor slipped and your timing has retarded

[hauss]

My guess is a air leak of some sort but not knowing your history hard to tell.

[Gaz64]

I would see if the distributor is tight, then connect a timing light.
Remove your aircleaner.
Check for flooding condition.
Start engine, check timing at idle.
Observe boosters for dripping fuel at idle, (flooding bowl, bad needle etc)
Remove both float level plugs one at time to check float levels.
Gary

[rcobrakit67]

Thanks for all the replies guys all valid things to check . Richie

[Michael C Henry]

What happened? What did you find?

[Ron61]

I second the above post by Michhael. To many times people post asking help and then never post what they found or how they fixed the problem. That could be a big help to someone else later on to know what you found.

Ron

[twobjshelbys]

Jeez give him some time, it's only been a few days. Not everyone treats the car as their first job.

[rcobrakit67]

I was away for work oldest son leaving for college next week plus working on both my boys mustangs. I m gonna try to check out the cobra this weekend. I will post what I find . Thanks to every. Richie

[rcobrakit67]

Finally had time to work on the cobra today. I had the cobra at my in laws so I could work on my boys mustangs,anyway I could not get the engine to fire. I pulled the cap with the engine at tdc #1 and noticed it was at 0 degrees. The distributor had loosened up on me. Once I got it started I set the initial timing at 8degrees btdc my total is only 20. I have an MSD billet distributor with mechanical advance so I figure I have to mess around with the springs. I also noticed that fuel was not dribbling into the venturies like it seemed to be when I parked it. I set the idle back down to around 800 RPM and drove it home to my garage. Thank you to all that responded to my post,as you can see I dont get too much free time to myself Thanks Richie