davidgsmith Posted March 19, 2009 Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 Since my "fast-road" rebuild, there has been the odd whiff of fuel from under the bonnet. On closer inspection, I think it is coming from the overflow/breather pipes which come off the float chambers. Is this normal? It's probably not entirely safe either, and how can I rectify it? Any advice would be warmly received (obviously not TOO warmly as we don't want the thing to go up!!!) Thanks David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidgsmith Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 So it's just me then?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 David, Do you have an electric pump? Then go to your filter king thread. Cause and effect. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidgsmith Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hi Badfrog, No, I just have a standard pump. Do you think this could be the problem??? David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Then rebuild the bowls: scored pointer, un-horizontal bowl, poorly adjusted float...... A thorough overlook of the carbs can't hurt. A great classic is the loosening of the bowl bolt so the bowl tilts to and fro and the pointer gets stuck in its casing. The bowl must be well secured and perfectly horizontal. Bad ignition timing may also induce the air-fuel mix to blow back. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Then rebuild the bowls: scored pointer, un-horizontal bowl, poorly adjusted float...... A thorough overlook of the carbs can't hurt. A great classic is the loosening of the bowl bolt so the bowl tilts to and fro and the pointer gets stuck in its casing. The bowl must be well secured and perfectly horizontal. Bad ignition timing may also induce the air-fuel mix to blow back. Badfrog If all of the above are correct then the other solution to lose the smell is run the overflow pipes down to the lower chassis level ensuring they are well away from anything hot Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 If all of the above are correct then the other solution to lose the smell is run the overflow pipes down to the lower chassis level ensuring they are well away from anything hot Stuart. Er, Do you know how to make a cat bark? Soak in petrol and crack a match. The cat goes: "WOOOFFF". In memory of Max, most stupid Huskie ever who used to chase parked cars and bite hedgehogs and just happened to pass away to day at 14. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 (edited) Do as Stuart has suggested but also check the tightness of all the rubber fuel pipe clamps. On both our TRs we experienced leaks from newly fitted rubber pipes and I had to re-tighten all of them regularly during the first couple of hundred miles. I also replaced a few crimped clamps with screw-type (Jubilee clip-style) clamps. Problems are now resolved, so I think the fumes and leaks were down to the initial expansion and loosening of modern rubber in contact with petrol. Edited March 20, 2009 by BrianC Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Er, Do you know how to make a cat bark? Soak in petrol and crack a match. The cat goes: "WOOOFFF". In memory of Max, most stupid Huskie ever who used to chase parked cars and bite hedgehogs and just happened to pass away to day at 14. Badfrog Many condolances Badfrog. Stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Elliott Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Many TR owners who have the push-on rubber hoses will install small attractive-looking hose clamps on the ends to seal them. It's a safety item. My TR3A came with the banjo fittings and once one of the fiber gaskets on the top of the float bowl was leaking. Another time I lost about 5 liters of petrol from the top of one of the float bowls while driving home - about 35 miles. The bolt was loose, really loose. The smell was noticeable and at stop lights, other drivers were telling me something was dripping. BUT THERE WAS NO FIRE ! Did you over-torque the screws holding the fuel pump top to the body, using a huge screwdriver. If so, you may have stripped the threads. This could explain the smell. If this is the answer, you can mount three tiny "C" clamps to seal the two parts together around the flanged area - until you can find another good fuel pump body. How do I know this ? Because I have been there before. I was able to buy longer screws for the three holes that go right through and I put nuts on the bottom of the flange. It works and the concours judges cannot see the nuts, hidden under the flange. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tthomson Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hi David, You might like to check that the fuel valves in the float chamber are closing properly, (Grose jets may be a better option, but others will know better then me). TT Since my "fast-road" rebuild, there has been the odd whiff of fuel from under the bonnet. On closer inspection, I think it is coming from the overflow/breather pipes which come off the float chambers. Is this normal? It's probably not entirely safe either, and how can I rectify it? Any advice would be warmly received (obviously not TOO warmly as we don't want the thing to go up!!!) Thanks David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifrog Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Er, Do you know how to make a cat bark? Soak in petrol and crack a match. The cat goes: "WOOOFFF". In memory of Max, most stupid Huskie ever who used to chase parked cars and bite hedgehogs and just happened to pass away to day at 14. Badfrog Sorry to hear about Max, are you going to get another furry car companion ? Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
adriantr4 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hi David, You might like to check that the fuel valves in the float chamber are closing properly, (Grose jets may be a better option, but others will know better then me). TT Hi I second this - my money is on the float valves. I had leaks with ancient valves & switched to Grose Jets [valves]. That was a long time ago & remain fine to this day. regards Adrian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Sorry to hear about Max, are you going to get another furry car companion ?Alan Thanks Alan, For the time being I have to organize my retirement next year, sell the house and move, so I'll wait a bit for a new experiment in in-doors flea circuses. The missus is considering an owl. Takes all kinds. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidgsmith Posted March 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Grose jets already fitted. Will have a good look round later today after I have been out for a run in it. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidgsmith Posted March 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Well. took the car out yesterday and no sign of leaks anywhere. Looks like the fumes once parked in the garage for a while is just normal for these "open breathing" setups (thanks Mal !!) I appreciate all your suggestions. Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Brennan Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Er, Do you know how to make a cat bark? Soak in petrol and crack a match. The cat goes: "WOOOFFF". In memory of Max, most stupid Huskie ever who used to chase parked cars and bite hedgehogs and just happened to pass away to day at 14. Badfrog My Irish Setter "Gus" who would challenge "Max" for lack of gray matter any day, went to Doggie Heaven this morning, also. Our sons have grown up and left the nest, and Gus was our last. I miss all the dogs we've had and hope to be with them in Doggie Heaven. Have you read "The Art of Racing In The Rain"? It might help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Er, Do you know how to make a cat bark? Soak in petrol and crack a match. The cat goes: "WOOOFFF". In memory of Max, most stupid Huskie ever who used to chase parked cars and bite hedgehogs and just happened to pass away to day at 14. Badfrog It is absolutely heart breaking to lose a loved member of the family. In his memory waste no time and approach a rescue centre soon. Richard and Harry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dykins Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 It is absolutely heart breaking to lose a loved member of the family. In his memory waste no time and approach a rescue centre soon. Richard and Harry Fully agree. Would recommend googling Labrador Rescue (I have now had three Labs over the last 12 years from them). Not quite sure what this has to do with this thread of "petrol smells and leaks", but can see the connection with the "smells and leaks" part of the topic Regards Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Have you read "The Art of Racing In The Rain"? It might help. No, please give me the details. Thanks Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Fully agree. Would recommend googling Labrador Rescue (I have now had three Labs over the last 12 years from them). Not quite sure what this has to do with this thread of "petrol smells and leaks", but can see the connection with the "smells and leaks" part of the topic Regards Peter Wel, it's quite complicated. First there's a relation with the joke in "at the bar" about disguising a bitch stuck at "this time of the year" with petrol. Then, at the beginning of the thread someone stated he would be happy enough with carbs overflow tubes going down away from the exhaust. My point was that petrol and hotspots tend to go "woof" when put together. It's a grand thing in this forum that it is always tightly bound to the unwielding steel rails of logic. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidgsmith Posted March 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Thread hijacking - oh what fun !! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Brennan Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 No, please give me the details.Thanks Badfrog The author is overly modest: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted March 26, 2009 Report Share Posted March 26, 2009 The author is overly modest: Thanks for the info Bob. Sounds exactly like what I would have tried to write if I had the talent. I'll get the book ASAP. In memory of Max who just reincarnated as a french MP, on account of its incredible ability to nap from one meal to the other. Regards, JFS Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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