float needle tip hs2

[cyrus]

I have been getting poor fuel consumption recently, about 32mpg instead of my usual 37-38, and notice some petrol staining on the ground where the car is parked, especially after rain when the rainbow-like staining is easy to see. It's right under the carb though I can't actually see anything dripping. Float is not holed or leaking and pump doesn't tick excessively but I was surprised to see that the float needle is all metal with no rubber tip or whatever, was there ever a solid metal needle used on these cars or has the tip been eaten away by modern fuel? (69 saloon - HS2)
What is the best replacement to use these days?

[philthehill]

The early float needle and seat were brass. The needle could have been changed over the years and an older type needle valve and seat substituted..
The HS2 carb should have the tag AUD13 attached to the carb float chamber lid.
A good quality replacement float chamber needle is as per the link below (unfortunately out of stock):-
http://sucarb.co.uk/float-chambers-spar ... oaded.html
Here is an alternative:-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265434358644 ... Swl7phqieB

[cyrus]

Thanks Phil will check the tag tomorrow. Maybe it is an early brass needle that has been swapped out as you say, will get it changed anyway, E5 is a bit expensive as it is without the fuel leaking out as well.

[oliver90owner]

If there is a float chamber fuel level, the metering will be altered. In this case it might appear that the plugs need inspecting to determine if the fuel:air ratio is not too rich.

[cyrus]

Thanks Oliver will check the plugs as well