Well, these floats can do that, and the smell of gas will be quite noticeable (and the offending float will be very wet). My guess is debris entering that float-bowl. Often the problem is poor and sticking Grose-jets, but crud can enter the lines and clog the valve only to come off.
I'd start with being sure there is no crud in the float bowl (and that you have a good, functioning fuel filter). Then, I'd check to be sure the jets aren't sticking (presuming you don't have Viton-tipped ones - if you have Grose-jets, I'd change them out). Make sure the floats aren't leaking through some sort of crack with gas entering one (such that it never floats up to shut off the valve). While there, be sure to make sure they are adjust properly (for shut-off).
Because you report this as intermittent, I'd go with crud in the system (so the valve never fully closed).
In my own case with my HS2s, the Grose-jets were the problem (and maybe a little dirt in there). They say that the newer Grose-jets have a film on them that can cause sticking (and I've seen it). The Viton-tipped ones work well presuming you are effectively filtering your fuel.