Fuel Leak

[MacQuigley]

Its not easy to see but there is a small hole just below where the fuel pipe enters the bowl cover:-



When I turn the fuel pump on fuel is pumped out this hole. Can anyone tell me if there is supposed to be a cover or plug over/in this hole?

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Yes there should be a cover in there, I cant see it listed in the Burlen SU site but here it is in a USA page

http://www.aptfast.com/showitem.aspx?id ... Carburetor&

you can just see it on this new lid from ESM

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... c4c99c8159

Im sure someone has a second hand one lying about.

[panky]

That's the float chamber overflow, if there's petrol coming out of it then either the float valve is passing or the float has a hole in it and has sunk The cover is only there to keep muck out of the hole not to block it off.

[MacQuigley]

Thanks guy's,

I will check the float tomorrow evening and see if I can find the problem. It has been sitting about for a long time 17 years to be exact since I started the restoration!

[Trickydicky]

If it's a brass float, you can solder it to repair it after draining it. Warm it up in a cup of hot water which will expand the air in it and force out the petrol.

[MacQuigley]

Unfortunately its a plastic float. I may have a spare. I seem to have collected multiple carbs (as well as other parts) over the years, though they may not be interchangeable.

[panky]

It's most likely to be a bit of crud on the seat, check that before swapping the float.

[bmcecosse]

Or a worn needle valve allowing fuel to pass. Does the pump tick away steadily - even with the engine not running?

[MacQuigley]

I have a new float needle but Ive not been able to drive the pin that attached the float out - dont want to force it. Any tips on getting it out so I can get the old float needle out?

[anthony2]

It has been knurled at the end,to stop it coming loose.I have removed them.using a pair of pliers.Open the pliers and with one jaw over the end of the pin and the other on the metal where it is entered ,squeeze the pliers.

Do it over a piece of cloth,so you don't loose it.

[Trickydicky]

The easiest way to test if the needle is leaking is to blow through the inlet pipe at the top while gently holding the valve closed. No air will pass through while it takes very little pressure to hold the valve closed.

[MacQuigley]

I had a look at the float last night (it was fine) and I operated the valve by hand and then replaced it all. I put it all back together and it seemed to work fine. Ran the engine up for 15 minutes tonight and not a drop of fuel overflowed.

Looks like maybe it was just the needle had stuck, but now I have in the back of my mind an image of it sticking again while Im out in the Moggie, fuel hitting the hot exhaust and the whole thing going up in flames! Oh never mind. I'll keep testing it until Im happy.

One thing I did find out as a result of the fuel spilling, the paint my painter used isn't petrol resistant! To say Im pi**ed off is somewhat of an understatement.

[bmcecosse]

Paint not resistant to petrol??? Car body paint??

[MacQuigley]

My thoughts exactly! The damn stuff has blistered at the bottom of the engine bay!

[bmcecosse]

Not fit for purpose springs to mind....

[MacQuigley]

Unfortunately its a friends son who painted it. Should have just done it myself. However it is a 2 pack paint (I've been doing some bits myself so I can confirm that) and it shouldn't have reacted to the petrol, especially after a year!

[bmcecosse]

Certainly not if properly mixed....you are aware of the serious Health problems associated with 2k paint ??

[MacQuigley]

Well its been a good few days now since I opened up the float chamber and Ive run the engine several times now and so far (fingers crossed while touching wood) there has been no more leaking fuel. Hopefully thats one problem resolved.

Now if I could only figure out why the horn push wont work...........

[bmcecosse]

Does the horn work? Earth the Lilac/black wire to find out.....

[MacQuigley]

The horns work. I fitted two new ones as the old were done and tested them from the wiring behind the dash. The problem I think is in the column Im just not sure where.

Didn't get to it tonight as I was too busy trying to sort problems with the rear lights then the heater. Im so close to finishing this build but I keep picking up silly little problems. I guess its my own fault for letting other builds get in the way over the last 18 years.