Triumph Repair: fuel pressure issues, puff of smoke, lbs pressure

Question
HI howard I had asked you question previously about a carb flood out and you was correct it was fuel pressure issue my new mechnical fuel pump way pumping 7 lbs pressure at all times. I have since replace the fuel pump and kept my gauge on for a few days to see how it was going it stays between 1.5 and 3 most of time while driving and at idol its running much better. But if I turn the car off for around 10 minutes or so the gauge goes to 6 to 7 lbs. and the car is hard to start have to crank it up a few times with the pedal to the floor then I get a puff of smoke when it does fire up. But no problems what so ever once its running.Is this normal to see the fuel pressure rise like this. are the problem some how related anything else you can think of to have me try would be appreciated. as always thanks for being a big help. Thanks Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,
It sounds like the fuel that is trapped between the pump and the carbs is absorbing heat and expanding causing the high pressure. This in turn could be flooding the engine. To test this just remove the line to the gauge and put it in a can or such so the pressure can not build. Then later connect the hose up and see if the engine starts ok. Another option is to hold the throttle wide open when attempting a restart when you see the high pressure to see if flooding is the problem.
let me know,
Howard