Holley carb question

Hi all,
I was adjusting my throttle linkage tonight and just noticed that with the engine off when I rotate the throttle plate on my Holley 0-1850 (4160) that a bit of gas leaks out around where the primary throttle shaft exits the throttle body on the drivers side (where the linkage connects). Also if I push a bit on the throttle shaft there is definately a bit of play between the shaft and the bore in the body. Im using a carbed Fox Mustang throttle cable. The carb is about 27 years old but really has only about 25 thousand miles on it (it was on the 289 in my 68 Mustang for a few years in the late 70s/early 80's). What is normal? How much is this affecting my performance - I assume this is a vacuum leak when the engine is running? Maybe time to buy a new carb?

Thanks,
Paul

It might just need a rebuild

there is a bushing kit,but not sure from where, my buddys in skilled repair at fords,and midnights he has all the suff, the thing to be careful when shafts get worn, is the butterfly can hang up in WOT position ,ok bill
[addsig]

boy am i slow,ive got a 600 vs ,with ford auto kickdown,$150 real clean ,wash on car 2 weeks ago, replaced with larger carb as over 400inchs plus shipping ,i checked the shaft,solid,and boosters tight,or i'll ship you it, if you have an extra ,msd,crane,or any multy spark box, its a 9834 ok bill
[addsig]

You can fix that with a bushing kit. Or, get a new base plate or just find a newer carb. It's common on an old Holley.

http://www.jetchip.com/carbs.asp
Bottom of the page, throttle shaft bushing kit.
[addsig]

There was a cheap fix for this posted on the 351c forum a while back http://www.network54.com/Forum/threa...eid=1119156268

both great replys but i'll never sell my carb if he fixes his lol just pulling chain, i'm going to bring alive my carbs bill
[addsig]