Practically Classics Forum

hi, i was just wondering if someone could help with a problem that i have with my austin cambridge. when starting petrol leaks from some where under the carb, once running the leak stops, how ever when driving it sounds like it wants to cut out and judders, you have to change down a gear then the engine will pick up again. you also have to give it pleanty of revs when pulling away at junctions even if still rolling. the electric fuel pump needs a wack now and again when starting, i have removed and cleaned the points in the pump but no luck, the car also appers to be running rich and runs on when turning off, the carb and timming have not been touched since i have owned the car from 2004 and it was running fine up untill a month ago. i use unleaded with an additive. hope some one can help. thanks

Sounds like the float chamber might be flooding. Worth taking it apart ond giving it a good clean - fit a new float valve if it looks at all dodgy.

ok, thanks, will give it ago.

Is it hard to start? If so you may be flooding the carb with petrol so it's overflowing; this is why it goes away when running as the petrol is now being used by the engine. With regards to the revving at junctions I suspect your timing is out, and if the engine has been untouched for any length of time it's probably badly coked up which is why it runs on after stopping; something bad timing will also encourage.