DANGER for carb'd Esprits
Discussion
Hi all,
Seems like an annual reminder, but Pauli's recent carb post jogged my memory.
Since many of you will soon be bringing your cars out of winter hibernation, please remember to check the carbs for signs of leakage, especially the accelerator pump diaphrams. These live on the underside of the carb body, and presumably have had gasoline (petrol for our Crown friends) lying stagnant in them for a period of months. This can accelerate the deterioration of the accelerator pump diaphrams and cause them to leak.
When these diaphrams leak, they drip gas straight onto the starter and ignition electronics. Fuel + Spark = DISASTER if not confined to the combustion chamber.
As part of your spring tune-up be sure to run the fuel pump for 5 minutes or so (to pressurize the system - don't rely on gravity/Atm pressure) and then reach under each carb and feel for any gas which may be leaking. If found, do not start the car, rather, immediately disconnect the battery and plan on replacing the diaphrams. Leaky carbs are the greatest source of fire on these early Esprits. Forewarned is forearmed!
Happy (Fire Free) Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
Seems like an annual reminder, but Pauli's recent carb post jogged my memory.
Since many of you will soon be bringing your cars out of winter hibernation, please remember to check the carbs for signs of leakage, especially the accelerator pump diaphrams. These live on the underside of the carb body, and presumably have had gasoline (petrol for our Crown friends) lying stagnant in them for a period of months. This can accelerate the deterioration of the accelerator pump diaphrams and cause them to leak.
When these diaphrams leak, they drip gas straight onto the starter and ignition electronics. Fuel + Spark = DISASTER if not confined to the combustion chamber.
As part of your spring tune-up be sure to run the fuel pump for 5 minutes or so (to pressurize the system - don't rely on gravity/Atm pressure) and then reach under each carb and feel for any gas which may be leaking. If found, do not start the car, rather, immediately disconnect the battery and plan on replacing the diaphrams. Leaky carbs are the greatest source of fire on these early Esprits. Forewarned is forearmed!
Happy (Fire Free) Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
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