MG Car Repair: flooding engine, fuel pressure gauge, charcoal canister

Question
we have a 1978 mg midget and we cant keep the engine running.  it keeps flooding out and wont stay running.  when the engine is started and we keep pumping the gas it blows out smoke the entire time and we figured it was flooding and getting to much gas.  what can we do to fix the flooding problem?

Answer
Hi Courtney,
First thing to do is remove the top of the carburetor and inspect the diaphragm for any cuts. Then you need to test the fuel pressure by placing a "T" fitting in the fuel line close to the carburetor and put a fuel pressure gauge on a hose fitted to the "T". (Be sure to put clamps at all joints) The fuel pressure when you start the engine must be from 1.5 to 3 PSI but NOT any higher.
If both of these are OK then you need to check to see that the float is shutting off the fuel in the carburetor and check to see if the top needle is not adjusted too high (if it has the adjustable type) One other thing to check is the overflow vent hose on the carburetor. Remove it and shake the hose to see if there is any fuel in it. If there is, then it proves you must remove the carburetor and check the float and needle & seat. If there was fuel in that hose then the charcoal canister must be replaced as it is destroyed.
Sorry, no easy fix, just tests and work.
Howard