The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fuel leak at carburetor inlet

I have a fuel leak that I cannot seem to stop. It all started when I rebuilt the carburetor. It leaks from the brass fitting that goes into the top of the carb. I've tried everything and it still leaks. Today, I bought a new fitting and put a different carburetor top on that I had lying around. All factors are different than before and I still have the same darn problem. Could it possibly be that the float is set wrong or something. HELP!! (It's a Rochester 1 barrel on a 235 straight six).

Try using a small amount of JB weld or Loctite weld, available in the local car parts stores.
These are 2-part epoxy.

This will seal any leaks on the brass fitting into the carb and last practically forever.
Carful not to use too much! Just enough to coat the threads and don't overtighten.

Let it cure overnight before connecting it to fuel.

If the leak is where the fuel lone goes into the fitting you may have cracked flare or it is scored & won,t seat. You may have to cut it off & reflare the tube.

Before you can fix the problem, you must identify the problem.

Take a paper towel and dry everything. Then have a friend bump the starter until the leak starts. Possible leaks:

Split airhorn casting
Defective airhorn thread
Defective fitting
Wrong fitting
Missing gasket (if used)
Defective flare on fuel line

Determine which of the above is the culprit, and repair. If all parts are good, no sealer of any type is necessary.

Based on your posts, my guess is that Wrenchbender is correct in his diagnosis.

Jon.

It's not a flare fitting. It's a brass nipple, then it has 5/16" fuel line connecting it to the fuel. Someone cut the original fuel filter and line out and put a plastic inline filter in. It makes no sense that it leaks. I did dry everything off and I can see the fuel coming right out of the threads. Like I said, it's a brand new fitting too. I just don't get it. Can there somehow be too much pressure at the carb from the fuel pump?

Allow me to rephrase to see if I understand:

The original line has been modified to accept an inline fitting, with neopreme hose connecting the line to the inline filter and the inline filter to the fuel fitting on the carburetor?

If this is correct, then:

(A) Check to make sure brass fitting is correct thread both in type and pitch for airhorn.

(B) Unless the thread in both is tapered thread (pipe) then a gasket would be required to seat the fitting to the airhorn.

(C) Four hose clamps would be required (2 on each connector hose).

Jon.