V12 fuel filter missing, carb floods through front
#1 V12 fuel filter missing, carb floods through front
I have a series 3 etype and when I leave the ignition on for 3 or 4 min without starting the engine the front right hand stromberg floods fuel through the front where the air box attaches. If the engine is running there is no problem with the carb flooding. I have just checked the glass fuel filter housing and the fuel filter is not installed. Before dismantling the carb's to check the float etc I am just wandering whether the flooding could be related to the fact the filter is missing. I also thought I might try fitting an in line fuel regulator. Is this worth doing and if so what pressure level should I set for the V12. I see on other posts for earlier cars fitted with SU's they are suggesting 2psi will this be the same for the strombergs?
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#2
The filter is a wise precaution but does not materially affect fuel pressure. You could install a Filter King which allows you to run at reduced pressure but if the carb is leaking I would suggest you dismantle it - fuel and a hot engine are not good bed fellows!
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
2024 Lexus LBX
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
S1 OTS OSB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
2024 Lexus LBX
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
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#3
There is a one way valve to let fuel into the float bowls. It closes when the fuel has reached the correct height. Not having a fuel filter nmeans it is perfectly possible for some grit to have got through and made the mechanism never fully closes off, so if the pump is on but no fuel is being used up, it overspills.
It sounds like you need to do some very basic maintenance both at the fuel filter end and at the float bowl. There is no mileage in playing with pressure regulation - that is already handled by a non return valve and spring on the lh side of the engine and if there were a fault here, it'd be appparent with all four carburettors.
kind regards
Marek
It sounds like you need to do some very basic maintenance both at the fuel filter end and at the float bowl. There is no mileage in playing with pressure regulation - that is already handled by a non return valve and spring on the lh side of the engine and if there were a fault here, it'd be appparent with all four carburettors.
kind regards
Marek
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#4
Thanks Marek, if the problem is grit at the float bowl end is there anything I can do to clear it or will I have to remove the carbs and dismantle them.
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#5
If that's what stops the float bowl from shutting off the fuel, then you might get lucky by tapping it with your hammer, but there is no knowing whether that wil work or merely move the problem on. If the floats are damaged (leaking) instead, then they won't float and so won't shut the fuel flow in any case. If it's an obstruction and it moves, where will the debris settle next? More than likely, you will have to dismantle and verify that the floats shut off the fuel flow in the manner in which they were intended.
kind regards
Marek
kind regards
Marek
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AussieEtype
- Posts: 635
- Joined: Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:59 am
- Location: Canberra, Australia

#6
20 years ago when doing the equivalent of a MOT my carby did exactly what yours did - except mine piddled on the inspector under the car - a decent tap to the relevant carby fixed it - was enough to remove the blockage in the valve - try that before having to pull things apart.
Garry
Garry
1971 Series 3 E-type OTS
1976 Series 2 XJ 12 Coupe
1976 Series 2 XJ 12 Coupe
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#7
I think that the valve is not working properly. Dort or wear would be the reasons. Maybe you have to dismantle the carb, clean the valve or renew it.
If you mount a fuel pressure regulator and you adjust the pressure down, until the valve is able to close, maybe you reduce the maximun amount of gas, the motor is getting, when working with full throttle. This can cause by weakening the mixture a damage of the pistons by overheating.
Regards Wolfgang Gatza
If you mount a fuel pressure regulator and you adjust the pressure down, until the valve is able to close, maybe you reduce the maximun amount of gas, the motor is getting, when working with full throttle. This can cause by weakening the mixture a damage of the pistons by overheating.
Regards Wolfgang Gatza
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#8
Thanks everyone, I will try the tap with the hammer first but have bought a fuel filter, carb service kit and new floats/valve etc just in case it does n't work. I had just changed the float bowl o ring on that carb without having to dismantle. Perhaps I disturbed some residue or the carb needs some TLC.
Dave
Dave
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#9 Re: V12 fuel filter missing, carb floods through front
S3 EType V12 front carb floods out they jet after running engine for 10 minutes. If I shut the engine off and raise the piston I can see the fuel coming up thru the jet like a water fountain. Disconnecting the fuel lines to the carbs doesn’t help. Jets are new, floats adjusted and pressure is 3lbs when running. Taking the cap off the gas tank seems to make it stop. Any ideas? I have SU HIF44 carbs installed. I had the same problem with strombergs. I’m thinking the fuel tank is getting pressurized and it’s creating a negative vacuum? Tanks been out, lines are clean and vents are connected to expansion tank with exit path to carbs on RHS. Removing the vent line to carbs doesn’t stop the flooding. Only removing the gas cap stops it. Any thoughts?
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Series1 Stu
- Posts: 1797
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:26 pm
- Location: Shropshire

#10 Re: V12 fuel filter missing, carb floods through front
Use a vented fuel filler cap, or drill a small hole in the one you have fitted.
Regards
Regards
Stuart
If you can't make it work, make it complicated!
'62 FHC - Nearing completion
'69 Daimler 420 Sovereign
'93 Jaguar X300 XJR basket case
'93 Audi 80 quatrro Sport
If you can't make it work, make it complicated!
'62 FHC - Nearing completion
'69 Daimler 420 Sovereign
'93 Jaguar X300 XJR basket case
'93 Audi 80 quatrro Sport
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