MG Car Repair: 74 MG Midget, chamber lid, float chamber

Question
I am restoring this car for my father in law it is 95% complete but I have a major issue. When the car is at idle or when the throttle is depressed or when then fuel pump is powered with the car not running I have liquid fuel leaking out of the float chamber vent. I also have the smell of fuel present in my oil when I changed it. Now the car does run and alot of work has been done to it but I have not had it on the road as of today. It does have a after market fuel pump mounted in the same place as the factory pump. I do not know much about the new pump other than it may be off a mg of some year. I have removed and checked the float chamber and needle valve it seems ok but don't know for sure. Please help with any info I must get this car on the road soon and this is my last major problem.

Answer
Hi Rob,
First you need to measure what the fuel pressure is. The float and needle can only hold back just so much pressure, so if that unknown pump has too much pressure it will open a good needle and seat and flood a carburetor.

Put a "T" in the fuel line close to the carbs and monitor the pressure. It should be form 1.5 to a max of 3 PSI. If that is OK check the float setting. Hold the float chamber lid vertical so the float is hanging down and is thus holding slight pressure on the needle. In that position you should be able to pas a 1/8" plate between the float and the lid. If not you need to adjust the float. if it is one with a metal arm you can bend the tab to correct the setting but if it is one of the one piece plastic floats, you need to adjust the level by adding or subtracting washers from under the needle seat. Check both carbs.

Howard