Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1958 223 cid, vacuum leak, peanut butter jar

Question
Rebuilt 1958 223 cid. Timing set right, lash set right, new points plug and condenser. Will Has original Holly 1 brl carb.  When running (even after reaching operating temp) still will only run with full choke. When accelerate bogs down and backfires thru carb. Checked but found no manifold leak.

Answer
If the engine will only run with the choke out there is either a humungus vacuum leak or a carburetor/fuel flow problem. First check the fuel pressure. It should be about 4PSI when tested with the engine cranking. Then connect a piece of rubber fuel hose to the fuel line and then using a peanut butter jar or similar plastic jar crank the engine and check the fuel volume. You should get a pint of fuel in less than 30 seconds. If either of these test fails the problem is in the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel line, of the pick up screen in the tank. If the fuel flow and pressure is OK then the problem is the carburetor or vacuum leak. Oh, one last thing. Does the car have power brakes? If so a leak in the vacuum brake booster can cause a big vacuum leak.