TR6 TR6 doesn't start after extended storage

[u2builder]

My 1972 TR-6 with Stromberg 175 carbs has been "stored" for the past 4 0r 5 0r 6 years. While it used to start easily, it won't start now and I am looking for help. Here's where I have tried:

I siphoned out as much old gas as I could and added fresh gas, I filed the points and get a decent spark at the plugs, I replaced the spark plugs, and with the plugs removed disconnected the fuel line at the carbs and cranked the engine to verify that the fuel pump is working at least enough to pour fuel out of the line. I have checked that the hand choke fully deploys the choke and it does.

I removed the air cleaner. If I give the engine a shot of starter fluid it will fire and turn over so the ignition seems to be OK. But it doesn't show any evidence of firing at all without starter fluid. When I pull a plug after cranking the engine there is no evidence of fuel. I am pretty sure it is not getting fuel but I don't want to pull the carbs if I don't have to as it used to run perfectly. What part of the carb system is likely not working from extended storage.

Any suggestions.

 

[George_H]

It is probably a stuck float. If it was stored with gas in the carbs.(not run dry) chances are you will be pulling the carbs.

 

[u2builder]

Thanks. Makes sense though I am surprised they are both stuck. But I am unfamiliar with these carbs and didn't realize I should have run them dry.

What is easiest way to remove carbs for the purpose of getting at bowls: remove manifold with carbs or remove each carb. I don't want to mess with any settingss I don't have to. Thanks.

**********************

2 hr later. Old eyes and fingers pulled carbs linkage attached and rotated upside down on engine, Only a few parts on floor/frame to search for later. Removed bowl but will need new gasket and prolly o ring on brass plug. Needle valve stuck I think. Otherwise pristine inside bowl that I doubt has ever been apart since 1972! So I guess I need to order needle valve, gasket, O ring.

 

[poolboy]

The floats are fairly loosely pivoted, so I doubt if they are stuck.
Most of the time in situations like this, it's the needle valves that are stuck.
It's the needle valves that allow fuel to enter the float chamber..Evaporated fuel has probably left a residue on and inside of the needle valves.
Ignore the title and the first 2 sentances of this FAQ, but follow the procedure...it may work for you, until you can rebuild the carbs and replace the old, dried up, brittle components.
https://www.6-pack.org/j15/index.php/faq/468-i-have-gas-pouring-out-of-zs-carb-vent-what-do-i-do

 

[trrdster2000]

Take the line off at each carb and get a can of carb cleaner and stick the small plastic tube in the inbound tube and spray a couple of short blast, wait a couple of minutes and do it again. Your needle will now be free, crank it over and verify gas is coming out of both hoses at the carbs and away you go.

Wayne

 

[Vila]

Like Wayne said, check to see if you are getting gas up to the carburetors. Next I would check the fuel pump to see if it is pumping gas, it could be the pump diaphragm.

 

[u2builder]

Take the line off at each carb and get a can of carb cleaner and stick the small plastic tube in the inbound tube and spray a couple of short blast, wait a couple of minutes and do it again. Your needle will now be free, crank it over and verify gas is coming out of both hoses at the carbs and away you go.

Wayne

Thanks for this suggestion. Unfortunately for me I had already pulled the carbs and it was the needle valves. And of course I wiped out the gaskets. I went and ordered rebuild parts. If it happens again I will try this trick first. But I will try not to let it sit too long. I kind of accumulated too many Brit cars.

 

[Got_All_4]

How many is too many?

 

[Brinkerhoff]

A little STA-BIL in the gas will prevent this.