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MG MGB Technical - SU Trouble

Hi,
Following a recent engine replacement (recon S/Hand) on my 78 MGBGT I noticed this evening that during tickover and mainly when the engine has just been switched off, there is petrol running out of the overflow pipe from the rear carb onto the exhaust, surely this cannot be normal!!!! anybody with any ideas on this one before it catches fire!!!!!

Thanks
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Phil
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ZS & BGT
pr deeley

Hi Phil,

No, it's definitely not normal! Two things come to mind.

Firstly, the fuel overflow is likely to be the needle valve in the carb, well worth checking for dirt holding it open or wear preventing it closing. Parts are available direct from Burlen Fuel Systems - just tell them the number on the little ally tag under the screws holding the dashpot covers.

Secondly, there should be a pipe to take take any fuel that does overflow away safely. Buy yourself a couple of lengths of clear plastic pipe and run the overflows to a safe part of the engine compartment well away from the exhaust.

Please sort this one quickly; I don't want anyone else suffering the despair of a burnt-out car as I had a couple of years ago.

Regards

Peter
P L Hills

I encountered this problem shortly after purchasing a '67. She had been sleeping in a garage for seven years but (my wishful thinking) that the seals, gaskets and such were in tolerable shape. During an early start up I noticed that the fuel pump was still running madly rather than settling into the slow clicking... and the smell of fuel and a growing puddle on the driveway indicated trouble. A well placed and moderate whang with screwdriver handle unstuck the float.

Since that time I have had to replace seals in about everything hydraulic and have now decided to just go through all and replace brake hoses, wheel cylinders, clutch slave... well everything including the SUs. Always best... and safest... to be sure.
J. A. McManus

Joe Curto's advice to me was to wack it with a small hammer to free the crud. If that doesn't work it's pretty simple to remove the float lid and check for other maladies.
Mike MaGee

This thread was discussed between 12/07/2005 and 19/07/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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