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MG MGB Technical - Smell of gas

Sometimes went turn off the engine on my 1963 MGB with Dual SU. I get a smell of gas and a small leak
is that normal.
David

Normal? At least not proper. Since my machine hadn't been driven for a week during cold and rainy weather, I also noted the smell of gas.

After the car sets for a bit, turn on the key and listen to the fuel pump. If there are many clicks, it is likely that your float chamber jets are sticking and you are pumping fuel overboard all the time you are driving. You can remove the jets and try to clean them, then use a turkey baster and clean the crud out of the bottom of the bowls.

I've tried Gross jets and not noticed any particular improvement. Dirt is getting through my filters and making the jets stick. Perhaps it's the MTBE they have been charging us extra for.
Dan

Small leak from where? If you have the SU pump the system remains under running pressure for a few minutes after switch off. If you have a leak after switch off then you almost certainly have one when running.
Paul Hunt

David,

I agree with Dan concerning the needle and seat jet in the float bowl needing to be checked. Further, the condition of the floats as far as leaks (remove and shake them), and level adjustments come to mind. A good cleaning, and/or overhaul might be in order if this hasn't been tended to in a while.

I would hope you're also carrying a fire extinguisher, just in case......

Regards,

L.C.
Larry C.

If you look for the little pocket that is created by the frame almost directly under your carbs, you will see where the overflow goes if you don't have the overflow tubes. The fuel sits in the pocket and sometimes dries up before you even notice you had a leak in the first place other than the smell. And a little note on carbs, Moss ran a special on a new set of carbs some time ago for $309.00, no question about it, the best money I have spent for my car and a lot of past rebuilds that hardly ever work. Sure, you can get into re-bushing and new kits etc but these things made all the difference in the world. That along with going with the pointless system took away a lot of headachs that I can apply elsewhere.
GOOD LUCK
Steve Crowder

This thread was discussed on 11/02/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.