Fuel leaks/smell

Saloons
1

Hi,
Straight to the point, how does one eliminate fuel leaks from the many joints in the mk2 fuel system?

I have a standard 3.8, twin su, fuel system. I regularly tighten the many joints - fuel filter, float chamber etc. even going to the extent of purchasing a spanner and grinding it down so it easily fits on the rear float chamber fuel feed. I have replaced all the fibre washers and the aluminium washers. But still there is a slight leak/petrol smell after a few weeks.

Any tips would be great.

Thanks

Dave

2

I replaced all the old junk clear tubing and the regular fuel lines with fuel injection hose, Then where possible replace all banjos fitting with the later nipple fittings on series 3 etype.
The leaks will go away…cranking down will only make things worse…Find washers from burlen they are lots better.
gtjoey1314

3

Most of the washers are from Burlen, from their SU refurb kit.
The nipple fittings sound worth investigating.

Thanks

4

I loosen the fuel to the carbs and reset the banjo bolt completelty on both carbs at one time, this way its adjusted together, not each carb alone.

5

Generally the main sources are a rusted through fuel tank, failing flexible hose or failing float valve needle jets – that said even when in good order after a hot run there can still be a little overflow from the float bowls – all liquids expand when hot, hence the overflow pipes.

Replace flexible fuel hose with ethanol proof hose (8mm internal diameter) – we had one become ‘sponge’ then split – thankfully caught before the fire that has ruined many other classics (and also some modern cars). Thus tank to pump, pump to hard line, hard line to flexible – 2 metres/yards should do you.

Unless already fitted, replace carb float needles / carb floats with ethanol proof variety; Refer Burlen / SU Carbs.

Do also fit an inline cheap as you like fuel filter between tank and pump – change when you change the oil. The c**p that the half a quid / half a buck filter catches is astonishing – change at oil change.

6

I have replaced all the fibre and aluminium washers again on the cars and they are leak free for now. I wonder how long they will remain that way.
I didn’t tighten them up much as I didn’t want to over tighten them and I was happy to let them leak a little and tighten until they stopped. They are supprisingly lose (not tight), if that makes sense.