So It appears there are some pretty knowledgeable wrench turners on here, hopefully we can run down my demon. First off keep in mind I'm learning as I go and I haven't gone far. I did just replace the entire drive line though so I'm not totally useless.

I'm running a sbc 350 of mid 70' vintage (Had trouble matching the #s but I think that's close) in a jeep and I'm having a coupe issues. Its got a Holley truck avenger carb, possibly a mild cam but I'm not positive as the PO didn't know anything, and an Edelbrock intake manifold.

It used to be fine but now I have issues starting. It sometimes doesn't like to... Sometimes it jumps to life (cold, hot, whatever) other times it's a no go. It may start fine on monday, not tuesday, then I'll try again on friday and it runs like a champ. Sometimes you can crank it until the cows come home with nary a sputter. Sometimes after prolonged cranking it will catch and run fine. Sometimes I can smell gas like its flooded even though I never touched the pedal, other times some enthusiastic pumping will get it to go.

On a side note it has always had some throttle lag with this carb but I understand that's common with this setup and haven't tackled it yet. Finally, I'm getting a tad bit of smoke out the driver's side exhaust though it seems kinda intermittent. Not burning a noticeable amount of oil. I'm wondering if its electrical but not sure where to start. Or is it the carb? I've rebuilt many outboard carbs but this is a whole other beast.

Thanks!
-Patrick