RobTR3 Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 Hello folks The fibre washers on one carb. were leaking on the banjo fitting atop the float bowl. I bought new washers (Rimmers) for both carbs. Fitted them, did not overtighten and now they both leak, even after a re-tighten they still leaked. Disconnected them, cleaned the banjo surfaces etc, turned the washers around - they still leak. The frustrating thing about this is that previously I have disconnected the banjo's successive times, re-connected without renewing the washers and they have not leaked. Does anyone have any tips on the type of washer i.e. is there an alternative to fibre - they are very hard washers - I have read somewhere on the Forum that you can use copper washers? Would these be better or are there just better quality fibre washers available, this appears to be where the problem lies. Any tips will be welcome. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 Personally I'd stick with pukka SU product from Burlen, having experienced problems in the past with proprietary SU and Stromberg component from marque specialists . . . . another 'get what you pay for' instance ! link - http://sucarb.co.uk/ Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 I continue to be amazed at the level of support Burlen give the SU product line. Quite amazing, really, the number of reasonably-priced small parts that one can get to keep a carb as original as possible. They get all my support for that reason alone. The fact that the parts are good is a plus! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iain Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 +1 for the above two posts Iain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 Burlen forever! Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobTR3 Posted January 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 You cannot beat a unanimous response Many thanks for the advice, I'll be onto Burlen tomorrow. Cheers Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 I had the same problem and sealed mine with a petrol resistant sealer from the local agricultural store. The disadvantage is that if you need to undo the banjo you break the seal. You can take the take the lid off with the banjo still attached if it helps. I had to use the same sealer for the float chamber securing bolt . It seems to be OK for now after two weeks. Let us know what you chose in the end. Richard & H. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobTR3 Posted January 11, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2018 Just an update on the Banjo Washers. I bought from Burlen 4 washers and fitted these today. Result - still leaked, not a lot, but a small amount is too much!. I als tightened up as much as is reasonable. I have to say they looked exactly the same as the set from Rimmers, but I thought the quality of the fibre might be better and hence more petrol proof. So what to do now?, I know I have a tin of Heldite, so I smeared that on all the surfaces and then placed the washers after the Heldite had gone tacky. Tightened up as much as before, result - no leaks, bone dry. Conclusion: Quality of the washers is not what it used to be, they need a bit of help. As I said in my original post, I had taken the banjos off on successive occasions previously, not renewed the washers and had no leaks. It was only that recently one washer got a bit screwed up and started to leak that I decided to change them. The original washers were black as opposed to red - I am not suggesting that makes a difference - , but their composition looked more like a hard rubber than fibre? but these were on the car when I bought it so I cannot say with any certainty what their made of. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mjdearing Posted January 12, 2018 Report Share Posted January 12, 2018 I saw my mate assembling some carbs for an EType yesterday he was using alloy washers he said the fiber ones piss out so orders Ali ones from Namrik and never has any problems, maybe some help, worth a try ? another thought, what about pre soaking the washers first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 17, 2018 Report Share Posted January 17, 2018 I am off to Namrick in the morning. I am sure that there are other things I need but I only remember after i have come back home. I will report later. Richard & h. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HSM Posted January 18, 2018 Report Share Posted January 18, 2018 Try copper sealing washers Harvey S. Maitland Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Forey Posted January 18, 2018 Report Share Posted January 18, 2018 I had the same issue last summer when I got some new washers from Rimmers, they leaked despite some high torque. As I was ordering something else from Moss, I added some new washers to the shopping list, fitted them and they leaked with some gentle torque but sealed just fine with a bit more but not excessive torque. They looked just the same but who knows if they come from the same factory and it is just some variation or if they really are different? Mick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 18, 2018 Report Share Posted January 18, 2018 I saw my mate assembling some carbs for an EType yesterday he was using alloy washers he said the fiber ones piss out so orders Ali ones from Namrik and never has any problems, maybe some help, worth a try ? another thought, what about pre soaking the washers first. I went down to Namrick this afternoon and they did not have any suitable washers. Any chance of asking your mate for a reference or order number. I was at Namrick in Hove, I hope that is the right store. Thanks Richard & H. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris59 Posted January 18, 2018 Report Share Posted January 18, 2018 About Burlen, I'm afraid that I don't share your point of view guys. I've seen so many new carbs, bought from them, who weren't correctly adjusted (I do not speack about tunning the carbs, but about incorrect play between moving parts), or carbs sold as pairs who weren't identical.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Hi Chris, Where did your e type restorer buy his alloy washers.? It is turning into a mystery ? Thanks Richard & H. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris59 Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 "e type restorer" Richard ? Most of the SU or Stromberg carbs parts I use are from Burlen, but their quality is not as good as it was originally. Let me explain : I've seen pistons not moving freely in their dash pot, copper inserts (as breather connectors) falling from the carb where they should not move, different jets on a pair of -presumely indentical- carbs, etc..... Dare I say that (may be ?) Burlen' carbs are as Guinness, ie the quality is not the same for export ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Rob/ Richard - have you thought of Dowty washers ? https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Engineering-Parts-Washers-Bonded-Seal-Washers/c4713_7364_7365/index.html?page=1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HSM Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Copper, aluminium & Dowty sealing rings all available from Merlin Motor Sport. Harvey S.Maitland Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mjdearing Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 here you are chaps plenty to go at. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M14-to-M26-ALUMINIUM-SEALING-SUMP-PLUG-CRUSH-WASHERS-Banjo-bolt-MANY-SIZES-/271142115129 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ptr2 Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 does your carbs have the float chamber steel supports that attach to the dash pot screws, they should help seal them up and keep the float chamber in place properly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 I saw my mate assembling some carbs for an EType yesterday he was using alloy washers he said the fiber ones piss out so orders Ali ones from Namrik and never has any problems, maybe some help, worth a try ? another thought, what about pre soaking the washers first.Your Is there any chance that your e type friend has some contact details and spec. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Hi Chris, Where did your e type restorer buy his alloy washers.? It is turning into a mystery ? Thanks Richard & H. Should be MJ Dearing Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobTR3 Posted January 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Based on the comments so far (fibre are too unreliable, although you could get lucky with one supplier), I think I'll give the aluminium crush washers a go. Does anyone know the 'M' size for the banjo washer? Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted January 19, 2018 Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Anything resembling a fibre or rubber washer I drop into a mix of 90% oil and 10% power steering leak stopper, the stuff that swells seals in ageing power steering systems and auto gearboxes, and leave overnight. Touch wood, that hasn't yet failed to produce a satisfactory result in umpty nine different and varied applications . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RUBY131 Posted January 20, 2018 Report Share Posted January 20, 2018 I always do a similar trick Alec, I smother the washers in Vaseline and let them soak for a while, then wipe of the surplas before fitting. Touch wood no problems so far Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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