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qmdv 05-09-2026 08:06 AM

Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

I drive an open 32 roadster with no hood. Recently while driving you get an obvious gasoline smell. I have only used non ethanol gasoline. Is this an adjustment issue. I have two Stromberg 97 rebuilt by Max several years ago. And my wife has complained about a smelly garadge.

alchemy 05-09-2026 09:39 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Do you have a fuel pressure regulator? If not, you need one. Maybe your pump has a bit of leftover push when you turn the engine off and it’s overcoming the inlet valve?

I’m sure you’ve looked for seepage at gaskets already. Strombergs are famous for leaking past gaskets.

38bill 05-09-2026 01:54 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

I'd probably start by checking the float levels.

paul2748 05-09-2026 09:00 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Check the fuel pump and related hoses/lines

qmdv 05-09-2026 09:22 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alchemy (Post 2450876)
Do you have a fuel pressure regulator? If not, you need one. Maybe your pump has a bit of leftover push when you turn the engine off and it’s overcoming the inlet valve?

Have an electric fuel pump at the tank and a pressure regulator. With pressure gauge at fuel block. I will check the pressure more closely and get new gaskets.

Planojc 05-10-2026 09:21 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Give Uncle Max a call since he built it.

Terry,OH 05-11-2026 06:14 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

The most likely spots for the 97 to leak is the bowl plugs at the bottom of the fuel float bowl.

Ken Arms 05-13-2026 01:01 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

I got tired of my 97s leaking and staining my powder coated intake, I bought a brand new 97 made by stromberg, I think they addressed some issues from the original. so far no leaks but they are pricey. Ken

drgoetz 05-13-2026 07:53 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

I have two of the new 97's ($125 ea) and they work great.
When you get them you must disassemble them and re-establish float level and tightness. Make sure the float level is 1/16" from the top and actually shuts off the fuel. Re-tighten and check for leaks with acetone. Set idle screws at 1.5 turns out and run them in as necessary. So far no leaks and they run well.
Just my thoughts.

tubman 05-13-2026 08:50 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

$125? Where? I want some!

Tim Ayers 05-14-2026 05:28 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgoetz (Post 2451420)
I have two of the new 97's ($125 ea) and they work great.
When you get them you must disassemble them and re-establish float level and tightness. Make sure the float level is 1/16" from the top and actually shuts off the fuel. Re-tighten and check for leaks with acetone. Set idle screws at 1.5 turns out and run them in as necessary. So far no leaks and they run well.
Just my thoughts.

Are these the Chinese ones on Amazon? If not, please let us know for I'm very interested.

Andy 05-15-2026 06:07 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Dick Smith in Phoenix used to machine the bowl screws. He mounted them in a fixture and cut a relief right next to the head. Install a O-ring and no more leaks.
Yes that Dick Smith of the Ford Museum.

69a 05-15-2026 07:15 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

[QUOTE=drgoetz;2451420]I have two of the new 97's ($125 ea) and they work great.
When you get them you must disassemble them and re-establish float level and tightness. Make sure the float level is 1/16" from the top and actually shuts off the fuel.


I thought the FUEL level was 15/32" wet method.
Or 9/32" to the top of the free end of the FLOAT. Dry method.

Terry,OH 05-16-2026 06:20 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Charlie Schwendler suggest the power valves may be leaking.

petehoovie 05-16-2026 10:07 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

https://external-content.duckduckgo....f4d&ipo=images
:p

aussie merc 05-16-2026 07:51 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

fuel level and fuel pressure thats the starting point strombergs a sensitive to both

qmdv 05-20-2026 04:59 PM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie merc (Post 2451824)
fuel level and fuel pressure thats the starting point strombergs a sensitive to both

Pressure is 2 psi. I have not checked the fuel level yet. Is there a diagram showing the float level setting.

aussie merc 05-22-2026 02:13 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

if careful you can run a stromberg without the top section i engrave a mark inside the fuel bowl at 1/2" below the gasket face this allows me to see exactly what the fuel level is when running also allows to check if level rises or drops as the revs increase. Many years ago someone here was making a glass window kit that could be fitted to the EE series stromberg but havent seen the in years [pity]

Tim Ayers 05-22-2026 06:03 AM

Re: Stromberg 97 fuel smell
 

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