Spluttering in traffic and at low revs.and strong fuel smell

[philhart]

Hi all

Recent issue with 1971 P5B V8 Saloon. 

Sometimes, in traffic or when pulling out of junctions the car staggers and splutters for a while. Almost stalling. Also, recently I get a strong smell of unburnt petrol.

I am assuming a carb issue but open to any other suggestions.  What do you all think is my first port of call? Could it simply be mixture?

Many thanks 

[Phil Nottingham]

A general service is a good start. Plugs/points/carb balance/filters/mixture. How old is the petrol?

[philhart]

Hi

Thanks for reply - petrol fresh.  I think it may be carbs as had an ignition overhaul not long ago.

Ta

[djm16]

Sounds to me like the float chamber is flooding because of dirt under the needle. I you have an electric pump, then turn it off and run the engine until the float chambers are dry. The sudden inrush of fuel when you turn the pump back on often dislodges the dirt and the flooding stops.

[markymark]

Hi,
A while ago I had a smell of fuel and poor running and found that the reserve valve was leaking. I guess sucking air into the fuel lines leading to poor running and the leak causing the smell. Worth having a look under the car - it’s under the drivers seat from memory - as there is a rubber o-ring that can go and might not like the ethanol in fuel these days.

Cheers,
Mark

[lagain]

Make sure that the carbs are clean inside and that the pistons are able to slide up and down.

[philhart]

Thanks for all the replies so far

[Sam Bee]

I have flagged up the need to change these 'O' rings due Ethanol degredation. New replacements on offer are all Ethanol proof, alegedly.