[TR] Float bowls overflowing

[Cliff Hansen]

Roger,

I had the same problem with a 4A with HS6 carbs and an electrical pump.  Turned out that the fuel pressure was too high.  I added a fuel pressure regulator and dialed it down to 1.5lbs, car ran fine and no more fuel leaks (plenty of other leaks but that's a different story).

That was 20 years ago and the regulator was about $12.  I don't know where to get one today.

Best,

Cliff


-----Original Message-----
>From: Roger Elliott <elliottr at rmi.net>
>Sent: May 10, 2012 8:56 AM
>To: triumphs at autox.team.net
>Subject: [TR] Float bowls overflowing
>
>Hi,
>
>I have a 1980 Spitfire with dual SU HS4 carbs.  I noticed while trying to get to run correctly that the front fuel bowl had gas coming out the top vent hole.  
>
>Figuring that it was the needle valve sticking, I replaced the needle valves and floats in both fuel bowls.  
>
>The front bowl (second in fuel line) contined to overflow.  I thought that there may be a crack or something in the lid, so I dug out different lid, put the new bowls and valves in the lids, made sure the float adjustment is correct. 
>
>These lids have vent tubes, which I have connected with fuel hose - above the carbs.
> 
>Well, gas is coming out of the vent hose connected to the vent tubes  - not sure which carb is overflowing at this point as I did not think to disconnect them until after I stopped working on them for the evening. 
>
>The fuel line now has a T-connector to get gas to both carbs.  Previously, the rear carb had a fuel pass through.
>
>I have a mechanical fuel pump, not original.  But one sold by one of the big vendors - don't remember which now.
>
>Can the mechanical pumps put out too much pressure?  The pump has been on for a few years and it has run correctly in the past.
>
>Assuming I haven't botched installing the needle valves and floats, is there anything besides excess fuel pressure that would cause the bowls to overflow?
>
>Thanks,
>Roger Elliott
>1980 Spitfire
>
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