BJ 8 Float Bowl securing bolt loose

[DavidThorn]

The car is a late BJ 8. I went to start the car in the garage and relised that after switching on and before actually activating the starter the fuel pump did not stop ticking.

Luckily I was at home and on opening the bonnet could see petrol leaking from the rear carb,it was going down the overflow pipe but also a small amount was coming out of the top of the float bowl,near the securing nut.

Rather than just switch off I tapped the float bowl with a screwdriver and the clicking and leak stopped.

I presume the float was stuck down and the tapping freed it.

On further investigation today I find that the securing nut was loose and would not tighten, I then realised I could pull the nut and bolt out of the float body.

It seems that the float body should have the `bolt` attached to its base and then after fitting the top the nut is screwed on to the `bolt`,but in my case the nut and bolt are together and it seems the `bolt` has become disconnected from the bowl base.

The bottom of the `bolt` does have some cross hatching on it as though it should be an interference fit with carb body, but it inst inferring with anything at present.

I did have a quick look on various web sites but could not see quite how it should be located,or what I can do to sort it out.

Can any one help?

David Thorn

 

[Bob_Spidell]

If I got this right, you're referring to the stud in the bowl that the brass nut that secures the lid--and the overflow pipes--screws into (haven't been inside a float bowl in a while). If the stud was pressed in, then I think about all you can do is try to secure it with JB Weld (or similar epoxy). You'll have to remove both carbs to get at one, and clean and dry the bowl thoroughly. I would attempt to tap some threads in the stud hole, and on the stud. Although the hole will be oversized for the stud afterwards, it would give the epoxy something to 'grip.' Disclaimer: I've not tried this, and I think the odds of it working are maybe a little north of 50%, but the alternative would be to locate another float bowl.

Just had another thought, if the hole in the bowl (sounds like Dr. Seuss ) is wide and deep enough, you could try a thread insert into the hole and cutting appropriate sized threads on the bolt. If there's enough 'meat' on both threads this should be a permanent fix.

 

[Keoke]

Luckily I was at home and on opening the bonnet could see petrol leaking from the rear carb,it was going down the overflow pipe but also a small amount was coming out of the top of the float bowl,near the securing nut

.Can any one help?
DO what BOB said and glue it back together, watch E Bay for a good replacement top later.

 

[SteveT3000]

Hi David, Burlen at Salisbury stock all the bits you need.

https://burlen.co.uk/

regards, Steve

 

[Randy Forbes]

 

[DavidThorn]

OK an update, Carb removed and on examination I found 2 small bits of the casting lying in the bottom of the bowl. it seems that someone over the years has over tightened the top nut and broken the stud (yes that's a better word than bolt) out of its mounting.

So J B weld wouldn't hold it as the casting in the base of the bowl has broken off.

Have taken Steve's suggestion and Burlen Fuel Systems are posting me a new bowl as I type.

So thanks to all only damage is to my wallet !! David Thorn

 

[CaptRandy]

Not sure how epoxy reacts with ethanol, but fiber glass resin is not friendly with it. Ethanol will dissolve it.