Someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Ok some of you already know my deal and im at a loss of wat to do. I have gotten so sick of fidling with this chevy im on my way back to imports very soon. I rebuilt my carb today, perfect i know. Bolted it back on and the car was still acting funny. This time it would start idle high, then low, and eventually knock and shut off. When idling good as soon as i put it in gear it suffocated and died. Extremely pissed off and trying to keep it running i made several attemps restarting the car. Then i noticed smoke coming from the valve covers, i took the vacuum off the valve cover and smoke was coming out it. I wait and a few min later i restart it, still screwed. I could hear the oil in the car boiling when close to the covers, and the little bit of gas that fell on the intake began to boil. At this point im severally upset. I lay the breather in its place on top of the carb, close the hood, and fire it up one more time b4 i go in to see what happens. Still screwed of course and i notice smoke still coming from the hood a few sec later. I put the hood and the shit is in flames, kinda dark looks like the flames were coming from the bottom of the carb. I cease the fire and a breif look over i can tell my breater is ruined. Slam the hood and go inside. Im so pissed :(

More data/information is needed. Obviously the engine is running HOT, why? Check coolant and timing. Check fanbelt for slippage, what is the condition of the water pump, is the thermostat stuck? I don't know the answer but even the very good experts on this forum will need more information before making suggested fixes. I can say that when I get like this it is a good idea to just close the garage door and go to bed early and maybe approach the problem fresh after a rest.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

What does your exhaust look like when this is going on?

I think you have carb problems.
And to catch fire, there has to be a backfire occuring.

Bert

Sounds like multiple problems.

Is the fuel filter clean? Sounds like it's running out of fuel.

Definitely running hot. I'd look at the thermostat first, then the water pump.

Sounds like the exhaust is restricted. Muffler fell apart? Mice built a nest? Somebody shoved a potato up the tailpipe? All kidding aside, check for restrictions.