The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carb leak. Source? (pic)

I posted a week or so ago about a hot start problem that acted like a fuel issue. Now I see this:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d188/pathwayrev/1959%20Chevy%20Pickup/carb%202_zpsoemosayt.jpg

The gasket above the spacer block is saturated and stays that way with the engine sitting for days.

I sent this carb out for rebuilding b/c the throttle shaft needed bushings. This pic indicates that's not the leak point, so my theory:
a bad needle and/or seat that allows the float bowl to drain, run down the side of the throat, and wick out the gasket.

Thoughts?
And might this not also cause the hot start problem? That is, it's flooding when shut off. But at a cold start it a) can deal with the extra fuel, and b) it's drained down the cylinder walls.

Looking for some collective wisdom before I open this thing up, not my favorite thing in the world. In this case I wouldn't go any further than the needle & seat if that's the source.

Did the gasket between the carb and spacer block have "cut outs" in it; and, did you align a cut out with a hole in the base of the carburetor?

I would check the float level,thinking it may be a little high.

By the time you go to start the engine, cold starting, all the fuel that ran down the manifold has evaporated. Thats why it will cold start and not hot start.

A few of the problems that can cause this,
1- pressure in fuel tank builds and can force fuel out ( unlikely your problem )
2- fuel pump making more pressure then the float can handle ( possible )
3- float level to high ( possible )
4- leaking fuel well ( unlikely )
5- float partially full of fuel ( see #3 )
6- dirt or nick in needle or seat ( possible )
7- heat soak causing fuel pressure to rise and over power float ( possible )

One of your other pictures does show fuel leaking around the throttle shaft. There is excess fuel getting into the carb. Joe's summary above list the possibilities. It could be you are running over rich all the time and only see and experience the hard starting after stopping the engine.

That earlier pic was before I sent the carb out for repair that included bushings for the throttle shaft. I think that's why there's no sign of gas around that shaft in the recent pic.

I've ordered a rebuild kit that should arrive Wednesday. I'll open it up and check float and needle/seat. I'll use your list, Joe H, as a helpful set of things to look for. Because I installed it as I got it back from the rebuild guy w/o checking settings I can't vouch for parts or float setting.

I think you will find it is flooding a bit. A cold engine can take a little extra gas and still run OK. Get it warm and shut it down for a few minutes and it can be difficult to start. If you find the float level seems correct, I would suggest modifying it a bit. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to get it to behave right.