Rhys found the problem, I think. Now how to fix it.

It won't start when hot, and fuel will pool in the air filter box.

I ran it until hot, took off the air filter, shut it off, and lifted the carburetor pistons. Sure enough, quite a lot of gas was coming up into the rear carburetor, thus flooding the engine.

Rhys suggested that there may be a worn or mis-adjusted float valve. Niel suggested that the float is set too high.

By the way, should I be annoyed at the guy in Toronto who rebuilt these carburetors last fall? Or is this just something that it would take a bit of wear in to develop. (I put the car to bed a week after he rebuilt them, and only just now took it out again - winter, you know).

Ok, by 'float valve' did Rhys mean the 'needle valve', which is listed in my Haynes manual? i.e. the valve that controls the level of gas in the float chamber itself?

And how can I tell if it is the valve that is faulty, or if the float is set too high. Can the float be easily adjusted. Is this something I should do myself, given that I have only watched them take the carburetor apart, and never worked on it myself? I really don't want to throw away another couple of hundred dollars for something that I can learn to do myself.

And by the way, thanks so much for all the help I have been receiving with this problem. It is really gratifying finally to being seeing the light on this car.

Greg MacIsaac


QUOTE FROM RHYS' MESSAGE IN PREVIOUS POST:
< Sounds like a classic case of flooding due to a worn or mis-adjusted float valve. Run the engine to hot with the air filter removed. Shut it off and quickly lift and block the pistons in the carbs up. Observe the jet and needle orifice, and a see if fuel begins to ooze out of one or both of them. Having the hood open may be enough to prevent it, but you may still find the offending carb. Also the cold start enrichment system can produce too much fuel, even when off, and that may cause your hot starting problem. The fuel puddling in the air filter box is a giveaway.
This all assumes that the ignition system is strong, and the plugs are in good shape.
You can check with me directly from www.sucarburetors.com
Rhys>>