Both WA-1's on my '51 Hornet have started to leak gas in the area of the float bowl drain. I've removed one and replaced the gasket under the screw and cleaned the mating surfaces and it lasted about a day or so. The back carb was OK until yesterday...same thing but I haven't removed it yet, just gathering information. They only leak enough to put a couple drops on the heat shield, there may be more but it's evaporating before I see it. The welsh plugs appear not to be the problem as they're always dry so is it possible the the bowl area has become porous? I'm thinking of sealing the threads on the screws but would like suggestions on what sealant is gas impervious. Thanks Terry
A few questions Terrry. Did you overhaul them both? Where did you get the carb overhaul kits?. . How long ago was that?. Did you restore the fuel tank?. We have found just draining, sloshing fuel around inside ,then refilling is a waste of time. Fine sediment will start braking loose from inside the tank the more it gets used, then it gets in the carbs, fills the bottom of the bowl in the carb with real fine silt like sediment. Do you have a site glass sediment bowl?.
Also, modern fuel is really designed to be injected. When used for carburetors, it is not uncommon to see some seepage.
I have not touched the carbs....they were said to have been rebuilt. I got the remainder of a kit off E-Bay for cheap and it happened to have those small gaskets in the kit, but I'm sure they're from way back when. I had the fuel tank off and it was as clean as could be, looks almost like a repop. The cars starts and runs exceptionally well. There was nothing in the bottom of the bowl and once the car is driven, the seeping stops....until the car really cools down......sometimes two days later.....it just sort of driving me crazy.
I understand Terry, sometimes simple things drive me crazier than I already am! I have found using old gaskets from old kits are not the best scenario, usually will start leaking and need to be replaced. They are usually real dry and shrunk up. Soaking them in water, solvent or anything only prolongs the inevitable , need replaced with a modern kit. Also, as I have stated before, the Daytona Parts valve works very well at shutting off the fuel. Hope you have a great 4th.!
I'll try the stuff Richard posted first before I purchase a kit for just those small gaskets but if the carbs were rebuilt with an old kit, I'll be expecting more issues in the future. Terry
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