Ea81 Weber with 32/36 swap won't push fuel from the the pump to the carb

[Brewbaru]

Hi all, I've been using this forum for the last month to try and figure out for to get my 1983 Brat GL running. I recently rebuilt the Ea81 it came with and swapped the hitachi carb for a Weber (new). There are some rust issues with the car but the engine is in great shape. I've got the engine back in the car and it'll fire up with starter fluid sprayed straight into the carb. Tuned the fuel mixture, set idle, timing, etc.

Now the issue is, if I detach the fuel line going straight to the carb and run the fuel pump, fuel comes out of the line and flows nicely. However, when I attach the fuel line to the carb and run the pump, it's like there is no pressure at all. No fuel runs through the forward fuel/vapor filter. I hear the pump running but fuel doesn't fill the filter. 

Could it be an issue with the float? Or possibly the Weber filter underneath where you attach the fuel line? Or a pressure issue? Do these carbs need a return line? Would really appreciate everyone's ideas and replies in advance. I've worked with the carb on my motorcycle (dr650) but other than that I don't have too much experience with carbed Subarus.  

[Step-a-toe]

Sounds like needle and seat, governed by float

I had similar with 465 Holley where I fitted a splash guard on the outside of bowl gasket when was supposed to be under gasket.

So I had this brass wedge shape intermittently getting stuck under float so carb would not take fuel in

[Brewbaru]

Gotcha, I'll pull the carb off today and get to the float. Do you know if there is a specific setting the float needs to be at for these ea81s? I just put in on how it was out of the box but it does look like you can adjust it. And thanks for the reply!

[Brewbaru]

Just wanted to leave an update, Step-a-toe you were on the money. Got to the float and the brass plunger had come loose somehow, causing it to restrict fuel from getting to the carb. Tightened that sucker up and she fired right up. Thanks for your help!

[Step-a-toe]

Hmm, thanks for finishing off a question.

That new carb may need a bit of a check over. Helped a mate sort tuning issues with a new Weber bought as a specific set up. It would have helped if supplier included or offered for few extra bucks at time of ordering, a jet either side of their 'chosen' jet for fine tuning same day as fitment.

Can't visualise it at present but there was an air bleed or adjust mixture screw externally, up high ish ? that was sucking in air ? was only finger tight or needed some sort of resistance to keep it in place. I think just screwing it in resolved issue #1, next size up main jet sorted drive issue, once little blighted arrived in mail

Then it was snorty time, to see front of car lift as foot was put down at 80 kph on the little 1200 cc , induction roar as secondary opened up. The owner in her 70s very pleased compared to old factory thing in her 'rolla

[Brewbaru]

Yea the primary and secondary jets on the sides of the carb were both loose when purchased. Everything else was nice and snug. Didn't think to check the brass on the float but I won't make that mistake again. The mixture screw is right behind the electric choke on mine. Top of the screw faces out to the throttle side of the carb. After that fix it was running really rich to the point of smoke on start up and even oil spitting out of the exhaust (it's straight piped). Carb is tuned and humming along now, really liking how it's running.