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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Fuel Leak

I have an annoying fuel leak from the pipe that goes into the float chamber of the rear carb, it is the bit the flexible fuel pipe connects to, I have tightened the jubilee on the fuel pipe as much as I can and still there is a leak I can only assume it is from the pipe a puddle of fuel collects on the top of the float chamber then trickles over the top and down the side of the float chamber. Is there any way I can seal this?

PJ
P.J young

It might be that the float valve is not seating in the bowl and it is overflowing from the hole in the float chamber top . Take the top off ( 3 screws ) pull out the pin that secures the float and examine the tip of the needle in the valve. It may just be dirt stopping it from sealing or it may need replacing. Try Burlens if you need a new one. On top of the float chamber the overflow hole is often covered by a small metal plate so that if you are not familiar with SU's it is easy to not realise that there is an overflow.
Alan.
A Anstead

Thanks Alan
I will go and look now. I have seen the kits on the burlen web site
P.J young

Alan

I did find some muck on the valve. I removed the float and looking at the valve all seems to work ok the conical end does have a groove in it but with the valve inserted and operated whilst i blow down the pipe it does seem to be working. I see the overflow you referred to, I re-assembled and all seemed well until a short run in the car resulted in the same leak.. Perhaps my fuel line is not sealing under the jubilee clip.

PJ
P.J young

You can over tighten the jublilee, and distort the pipe.

Also don't be fooled by the blow test. When the engine is running, vibration cause the seat to fail if it is worn. A groove indicates wear. I would at least fit a new needle and seat.
Lawrence Slater

I'll second that. If the tip is grooved it is time to replace.
A Anstead

I have to agree with Alan.

When my midget had a fuel leak I was stumped as to what was causing it, it turned out that it was a worn needle in the float bowl which was not allowing the float to move as it should.

It is always worth replacing the needle and seat as the cost is minimal.

(First post with usful advice, instead of asking for help! :D)
R Williams

This thread was discussed between 24/09/2011 and 26/09/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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