Petrol problems?!?!?

[Bigal_85]

So I was driving to work this morning and there was a real smell of petrol coming from the engine bay, I pulled over and saw the the carb float chamber was overflowing. I unscrewed the lid and blew through the assembly making sure the float and valve stopped the air...all was good. I re-assembled it and watched the engine idle for a while with no problems, gave it a few revs....no problems so I thought I would finish the drive to work. Arrived at work, had a look and the float chamber is overflowing again. Do I need new parts??

Also is it safe to drive home?? (roughly 11 miles)

[Peetee]

I would say it's not safe to drive. Try seeing if the float moves freely - it may be gummed up.

[Bigal_85]

When I removed it it seemed to be moving perfectly freely....very odd...i'm confused??!?!

[paulk]

Could be something trapped in the needle or possibly needle worn so doesn't seal? Also is the float floating or has it sprung a leak? unusual in the plastic ones but possible.

Other option is the gasket has given up around the top of the float chamber? wouldn't constantly flow but would slosh on the corners.

[millerman]

New float needle and seat required

[bmcecosse]

But hopefully you got home ok! If the needle valve is dribbling through - the engine will be fine when running along, but will be over fueled when idling. This is where a fuel pump switch can come in handy - as a get-home measure, you can switch off when idling for a few seconds to save it overflowing.

[moggydriver62]

When I was twisting wrenches for a living,
Most common was dirt holding the needle open.
Then the stuff the other guys [ er people said].

[Bigal_85]

Well i got home fine...then I took the assembly apart in the garage and gave it a good clean. All seems well now though. I've order some spares just in case it happens again and I'll replace the lot!!

[bmcecosse]

Can pick-up a complete carb very cheaply!

[Kevin]

Agreed with above a new float needle reqd.