Fuel leakage

[RobStagMan]

Hello to everyone, my first post so be gentle!

I have just adopted my Dad's stag, which has sat unused for nearly 15 years in his garage. I have been reading various articles advising what to do with a car left for so long. So far I have;

1 .Removed the old spark plugs and took the opportunity to poor engine oil into each cylinder. Turned the engine over minus plugs over the past few days.

2. Replaced the old fuel with fresh and replaced the fuel filter.

3. Replaced the battery

4. I have new engine oil, filter and intend to flush the radiator and engine block.

How ever when I reconnected the fuel line and turned on the ignition there was a fuel leak which I think is coming from the fuel over flow pipe. Later this week when I have some time off I'll try and find the source. If it is the fuel over flow pipe any ideas why this may happen!?

p.s. as you can probably tell I am learning as I go, using a Haynes manual and Stag service manual! Therefore any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Rob

[DJT]

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Welcome Rob.

Your progress so far sounds good. I would guess that the leakage is caused by sticky float chamber valves. They may re-seat if you give the float chambers a sharp tap. If not you will have to pull the carbs and remove the float chambers to clean them out.

Dave

[ethel]

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Hi Rob,

Just restarted mine after a 7yr lay off and found that the short hoses that connect the long lengths of fuel pipe had perished - including one just in front of the bulkhead on the nearside almost above the exhaust pipe - so might be worth checking that before you start up. It was a right pig to change as well!

John.

[V Mad]

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Float valves sticking is a common problem. Sometimes you can get it to clear by lifting the carbs(first unbolt from the manifold) then just shaking them. That can clear any grit or other debris.

Another precaution worth taking is to remove all spark plugs and spin the engine to help build up oil pressure in the bearings before you start it.

[Stag Andy]

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V Mad is probably correct with the sticky float valves, i suggest that you remove the carbs and remove the float chambers and clean everything cos it will most likely cause you grief if you dont

[Ian Durrant]

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I agree with Andy, mine stood for about 6 years or so and I had lots of trouble with the float valves sticking and not from dirt but from varnish from evaporated fuel. I'd take the carbs off, clean out the float bowl, clean the valves in thinners, reset the float heights as necessary and try again, with a new fuel filter.

Mine was much better after doing that but I think i have rust in the tank because they keep clogging again even though I have fitted a new fuel filter and new float valves. Next job on mine is to clean the tank out and fit a second fuel filter on the pressure side of the pump.