Triumph Repair: 1980 spitfire weber carburator, float chamber, weber carb

Question
I just replaced my carb. with a weber downdraft on the 80 spit. The installation seemed to go with ease, however I can not get the car started. It fired once then flames came out of the weber carb. Looking in the barrels, I noticed that only fuel is coming out of one side when accelerator is depressed. Is this correct or is the carb defected? Not sure what I did incorrect.  

Answer
Hi Anthony,
If it was running ok before the Weber installation and you see fuel coming into one side, you need to do this. Open the throttle only about 1/8 open and no choke(just above idle position and hold it there) Spray either starter fluid or WD-40 works well into the intake. Have someone else try to start it. (keep a fire extinguisher ready) The engine should start and only run for a second or two on the starter spray. If the carb is close to correct it will continue to run. Don't move the throttle to try to keep it going. If it only runs for a second or two and dies you need to go into the carb as something is wrong. If it will not start and run for just a second or two, something is wrong with the engine (ignition or what ever)

Give me some more info. Was the carb new or used? What numbers are on the carb? There are over 40 different kinds of Weber carbs so I need to know which one you have. Look on the side of the float chamber or on the mounting flange for any numbers/letters.

Let me know,
Howard