This weekend, I noticed a very small leak coming from the top of one of my carburetors. I have dual Solex (EMPI branded) 40mm carbs without chokes. I got out the mirror and saw that it was coming from what looks like a big brass plug that is on the very top of the carb (the back-side of the carb that is on the passenger side). It is the big plug that is right below where it says Solex on the top cover of the float bowl.
I pulled the air filter off and used a 14mm wrench to tighten it. I ran the car at idle again for about 5 minutes and it seemed to have fixed the problem. Put the air filter back on.
This morning I was going to drive to work and let my car warm-up for about 10 minutes. I thought I'd better check it before driving off and I was disappointed to feel around on the back of the carb and note just enough fuel to moisten the outside of the float bowl.
The amount looks like it has never been enough to drip down even onto the intake manifold, and the rest of the engine compartment is bone dry under that carb.
Do I just need to rob a new gasket for that "plug" from my rebuild kit? Is it possible that the float bowl is filling too much and forcing its way out throught that plug thing?
Should this little tiny drip be a concern? Leaking gas in my engine makes me a bit nervous!
What are your thoughts?
Alan
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