Carb problem?

[Festus E. Simkins]

Just had something happen to me that has never happened before. I have been running the same engine and carb for about 7 years now. I am running ITA RX-7. 83 motor with modified Niki carb. Carter pump 2.5 lb pressure.

I hadn't started the car is over a month. Last time I started it I let it run till everything was up to operating temp before shutting it down. Went out and went through my usual start routine.

1. Turn on juice and let fuel pump pressureize.

2. Pump accel. petal a couple times.

3. Try to start. Usually it will burp and then start on the second or third try repeating 1 & 2 above.

This time she did not start. Kept repeating 1-3 above for about 3-5 minutes.

Gave up. Figured I had flooded it. Just happend to look under car. A good 4 feet across puddle of fuel was under the car. It was comming from the exhaust pipes. Where header meets exhaust pipe.

I cleaned up everything before I had a huge fire. I figure at least a pint or two of gas on the floor. Scared me pretty good.

The only thing I can figure is the floats stuck open. Any thoughts? Is there anything y'all would suggest I do before I try to start it up again in a day or two?

I checked everything and all of the fuel lines were dry. Also, the carb was dry no external leaks of any type anywhere.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Speed Raycer]

Did you pull the plugs to let it air out?

When we first tried to fire up our 7, the floats stuck and filled the entire motor up with gas and hydro-locked it before we even had much of a chance to react. Make sure your motor still turns over, which it sounds like it is. {edit}If it is turning over, maybe do a little ATF to lube the apex seals since they were most likely washed with fuel. Turn it over by hand with the plugs out to make sure there isn't any fuel trapped in the compression or intake cycles.{/edit}

When you do try to start it, make sure you've got spark and that 1 or both ignitors haven't gone south. Sucks to chase a fuel problem if it's an ignition problem.

------------------
Scott
It's not what you build...
it's how you build it

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[This message has been edited by Speed Raycer (edited July 28, 2003).]

[ddewhurst]

****Just happend to look under car. A good 4 feet across puddle of fuel was under the car.****

Festus, it's a darn good thing your not a smoker.....One little ol spark & we'ed ah had some Cajun cooken.

Dam glad I quit smoken 8 years ago. That's what finances my racing........

Have Fun
David