Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing ROVER V8 - STROMBERGS AND FUEL PUMP

Hi, working on my 1976 +8 I left the ignition on noticed that the fuel pump never cuts out, should it cut out after a certain pressure is reached? Also noted that the right bank carburettor is dripping fuel so I assume the float valve is not shutting off correctly. I'm also wondering if this is something to do with the smoking engine I get on occasions

Any thoughts gratefully received! Also, anyone know the model number of the Stromberg's fitted to this era car?

Long time since I worked on Rover V8's but sounds to me like the float or the needle shutoff valve might be the culprit. There could be a little bit of dirt preventing it from closing properly (even if you have fuel filters), the valve could just be worn or maybe there is a leak in the float itself. Generally I do not favour Strombergs and their troublesome diaphragms so you might want to consider swapping them for SU's at some point.

Thanks for your response and I cant have had enough coffee this morning they are of course SU's fitted!! Stromberg on a totally different car!!

Still wondering about the fuel pump - I would have thought it should stop when system is pressurised?

As griffo pointed out. If needle valve is leaking the fuel pump will not shut off. Fix needle valve!!!!!!!!!

I had a 79 +8 on su carbs the pump always kept up a slow tick. But a slow petrol drive will make it worse.

There is also a seat. Replace both the seat and needle valve. Or at least use carb cleaner and flush it.

Also check fuel pressure. Should be no more thsan 4-5 PSI.

Yes that's a very good point. Too much pressure and it will lift the valve off the seat. If it is too high you could always fit an in-line adjustable pressure regulator.

on my 70 +8 there is a return line to the fuel tank from the right
SU carb. The engine mounted fuel pump is long gone but I still recirculate to the tank. I think the reducer hole is about 1/16" so it only builds up pressure of 4-5 psi.

When I purchased my 77 +8 18years ago I would have the fuel pump ticking frantically and petrol overflowing out both SU carb overflows. Somewhat scary. I purchased 2 kits for the SU's that incorporated ( from memory ) a vitron tipped float needle and redoing the H1F6's fixed the problem. I have happen twice where one float needle has hung up and the motor starts and runs on 1 bank. Once it fixed itself when turned off and restarted the other time needed a light tap around float bowl.
Doug
from deep deep downunder.