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MG MGA - Leaky Sinking Moss Carb Floats

Is anyone else having a hard time with carb floats leaking? I replaced a leaky float in June which was causing fuel overflow because it was filling and sinking in the float bowl. My replacement float from Moss was found 'at the bottom of the pool' this morning when I investigated why the MG was pumping fuel out onto the frame and roadway. Sure enough, it was filled with gas! Repair? or replace (again!)?
rpb bunch

Is the ethanol in the fuel attacking the solder join? - it has been rumoured over here in UK that it could happen with E10!
Cam Cunningham

I had an e-mail flyer from Burlen earlier this year saying that they had just developed a new range of puncture proof 'StayUp' floats using military spec. materials. Might be worth a look on their site: www.sucarb.co.uk ............... Mike
m.j. moore

I took my old floats and resoldered them - they are more solder than brass now...but they still work. Saved me having to buy a replacement.

JIM in NH
AJ Mail

Could be worth buying new from Burlen. I believe they are made to take account of the change in fuel density due to the addition of ethanol (fuel less dense, float sinks lower and raises fuel level ).
To get the mix correct on mine (with old floats) I am back about 3 flats from fully in. Also repairing, with the extra weight of the solder, will make the situation worse.
A J Dee

According to my research, Ethanol has a slightly higher specific gravity than gasoline. So, the addition of ethanol would raise the specific gravity of the fuel causing the float to be higher. This would actually lower the fuel in the bowl and consequently in the jet. In reality, the amount of change in fuel density by adding 10% ethanol is actually less than the full range normally allowed for regular (non-ethanol)fuel.

Chuck Schaefer

I should have paid more attention in physics lessons !! Anyway the Burlen floats suit the ethanol rich fuel
A J Dee

"Puncture proof" floats may be plastic. When MG did that for later production MGB (cheaper I'm sure) the floats had a tendency to absorb fuel and eventually sink, so they needed to be replaced periodically. Some modern plastics may be more fuel resistant, but I wouldn't bet on it with constantly changing fuel formulations.

I like soldered brass floats, and I'm pretty sure that the fuel does not attack the solder. If soldered brass floats sink any time before 50 years old, that implies faulty manufacture, either cracked brass or bad soldering. So just how many of the new Moss floats are sinking? Is it a few isolated parts or a rash?
Barney Gaylord

After 50 yrs of service my orginal floats sunk, you could see hairlne cracks in them. I replaced them with ones from Scarbourgh Faire. I don't know if her source is the same as Moss but they lasted only a few months before they too sunk. I unsoldered the joints to take a look see- after drilling a hole to let the gas out. The only problem I could find was poorly soldered joints. I cleaned and resoldered the joints and have not had any trouble since. Its been three years now. I don't believe fuel is the problem poor workmanship is. It was a little tricky to resolder I am not experenced in that and like A J was a little worried about extra weight but I checked the fuel level afterwards and it was fine.
Charles O'Brien

This thread was discussed between 08/10/2011 and 12/10/2011

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