Re: 1958 Evinrude 35 HP Flooding

[David Stanton]

If the carb float is the original part made of cork, if you have used fuel with ethanol in it (even only 10%) it has likely wrecked the protective coating on the cork and the cork then soaked up gas and sank. Like has already been mentioned, a factory carb kit includes a new ethanol-resistant float. Aftermarket kits do not have a float.

You may also have a small piece of dirt caught in the float needle and seat, keeping it from closing when not much fuel is needed at an idle.
Dave