forgot to mention the car is a '59

-R

link to image is here:

http://www.crankmagazine.com/carb.html

Examine your carb closely to make sure it requires those plugs. The holes in your carb body could be blocked off. Often, if a plug is loose or missing from one of these old Solexes, there will also be a major fuel leak. Even though your illustation shows plugs, there may be variations of your Solex that don't have them. If they are missing you'll probably need to get a parts carb. Alternately, the 2V Weber carbs are a popular replacement for the 2V Solex.

Where are you located that requires smog tests on a '59?

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

thanks Mark

- there is an opening beside the distributor vacuum connection that looks like it has a homemade bolt/plug - it was wet with gas. I'm going to try and take it out and put something better in.

Here in Vancouver, British Columbia all vehicles must be tested. They are pretty strict. As well when I got it done I had to sit in the car and shift for the guy!

For a '59 in BC:

DRIVING
Max. Me
HC 556 690 (FAIL)
CO 4.98 4.43
NOx 4066 652

IDLE
Max. Me
HC 1000 1876 (FAIL)
CO 5.12 3.46