Carburetor Seeping Question
 

Today my carb began seeping slowly out of the upper gasket. I drained it and made sure the gas was clean, and re-ran the A for a bit, shut it off and still getting seepage.

Do you guys think I need to take it apart and check the needle for crud and examine the float?

Thanks,
Jim

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

A stuck float can certainly cause the bowl to overflow. With a Tilly there a number of things that can cause the issue. First thing check the 3 screws that hold the top and bottom together and make sure they are tight. I know Ethanol is an easy target but I have never seen it compromise a gasket like that. Heat and warpage are the biggest enemies of pot metal carbs.
Check out this excellent link on Tillitsons and common problems. Tillitson Carbs

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

If you are taking this TILLY apart for a new gasket you might as well check the two pieces for flatness with a straight edge. TILLYs are prone to warping. If you do see warpage, then search the Barn threads for all of the different methods of correcting this issue from sanding to baking it.

Old time mechanics also used a thin coat of Vaseline on the new carb gasket when assembling.

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

if the float valve is working properly, the fuel level in the bowl is BELOW the gasket in question. So prolly not the gasket itself or the screws. Start with the float and float valve assembly

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

Shut the gas off and run the engine until it dies. Turn off the key. Wipe the gasket area between the two carb halves as best you can until it is dry. Now turn the gas back on and run your finger beneath the fuel line inlet fitting. If you feel gas here almost immediately (before the bowl has a chance to fill up), either the threads are stripped inside the housing or on the fitting, or there is a crack in the upper housing in this area. Gas will leak out of the fuel inlet and stream along the gasket across its length on the outer side of the carb (hood side), making you think the gas is leaking from between the carb halves. Because the Tilly is made of pot metal, it warps and cracks easily. Someone may have cross-threaded the fuel inlet fitting. It will still tighten up because it is brass, which is stronger than pot metal or aluminum. But that doesn't mean it will seal. Fuel can still trickle past the crossed threads.
Check this out and if it doesn't pan out, follow other suggestions, which will take more time and effort to investigate. Tillies are NOTORIOUS for warping, especially the flange that mates to the intake manifold. But gas won't leak there. Air will just get sucked in and throw off the carb's idling. But, that's another Tilly horror story for another time.
Marshall

Re: Carburetor Seeping Question
 

My thoughts also Marshall....

If the float valve was not holding the car would be flooding, running rich and leaking out the air horn