Europa Special - Fuel Leak

[Fredinashed 1]

Hello,

I have recently bought my first Lotus -  a 1975 Europa Special Big Valve with Dellorto carbs. I had the car restored and I have only had it back a couple of weeks and not driven at all, but when I start it fuel pours out of it around the carbs and forms a pool under the car which is obviously a fire risk as I know the distributor is in that area.

Does anyone know if this a known or common fault? I wondered if it was a stuck float or possible gasket issue? 
 

Any tips pointing me in the right direction gratefully received.

Thanks

[jonwat 422]

1 hour ago, Fredinashed said:

Does anyone know if this a known or common fault? I wondered if it was a stuck float or possible gasket issue? 
 

Any tips pointing me in the right direction gratefully received.

Absolutely not a common fault & something you need to sort out & fix immediately before restarting the engine.

First I'd make sure the float needle valves are sealing shut, you can test this by getting the tops off the float chambers & blowing air into them while holding the floats up. The needle valves are part 15 in this diagram, they also supply parts.

If I were you I'd be giving it back to your restorer to sortl

Good luck

2 minutes ago, jonwat said:

part 15 in this diagram, they also supply parts.

Oops, I meant 13

[NG5 7]

Totally agree with John, if you have paid to have this restored I'd be taking it straight back and if they can't get something as basic as this right I would be wondering about the quality of their other mechanical work.

The other simple things to check though are if all the fuel hose clamps are tight and the fuel banjo's where they attach to the carbs, even sight looseness can lead to big leaks due to fuel pressure from the pump. Be careful with the banjo's though as overtightening can damage the carbs.

If you do take the tops off the float chambers check the float level as per the manual. Wrong float level can cause flooding. It won't be a gasket issue, the petrol level should never get that high. The gasket is to keep dust out, not fuel in.

I hope in the end it's simple but don't drive it like that!

 

[NG5 7]

On the Banjo's check they have not missed out either of the seals. There is a fibre seal on both sides of each banjo. One between the banjo bolt and the banjo and one between the banjo and the carb top cover. If either are missing and there is just metal to metal it will leak.

[Fredinashed 1]

Thank you both for the input - restored by a Lotus specialist so I would have hoped they would of known all this. I shall take a look and let you know. I have only driven it 50ft! 

Appreciate the support and advice.