Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Back to the carbs.


Quite grimy all over again, so into the ultrasonic cleaner

And repeat the cycle couple times.

Things cleaned up well.

Noticed both floats have started taking on fuel though. Both were dry seemingly when I first got the car, but probably due to being idle so long.
Anyway, they are both baffed so another order to moss on the way,
Explains why the carbs were hunting and changing though, to some extent.
Drilled small holes in these to get the fuel out, then going to use a lil ca to seal them up again temporarily while I wait for the new ones. Allow me to move ahead with finishing these carbs up.
Also had a bad front tyre I noticed. Inner tube was pooched at the stem so took it in for a replacement. Maybe next weekend I will be ready to go again..

And back together tonight with new gaskets, jets, and an overall much deeper cleaning. Brass really pops again, all over.


Fired her up, reset my mixtures, and idles, reconnected the carbs and put the air filters on.
Choke now works again, as do the little pins that raise the pistons 1/32” to test mixture settings.
Sounds terrifically throaty and ready to test.. sure hope my spindle nut arrives this week!

So, you have new floats?

Not yet. In the mail though.
Drilled and drained out the original brass ones, then used a toothpick and applied a hint of jb weld to fill the drilled hole and seal the seams again.
Won’t last, but doesn’t have too, just float long enough to set up the carbs again.
Went for another few rips around the block tonight and this is going to be fun. Spirited pick up now with no hesitation or bogging down and starving like was happening pre tear down.
Went with neoprene floats instead of brass from SU. Never have to worry about floats failing again..
Insurance kicked in, and Haggerty dropped the rates to 295. Called me to explain what I meant by modified when I registered it, and after talking about the upgrades, they rebranded it ‘stock’ and saved me a hun! Felt the upgrades were within the spirit of the car.
Cool company that!

That's good. That price seems more inline with my rate. Keep up the good/fun work, Mike.

The gas and ethanol therein will dissolve JB weld and lots of older synthetic floats.
Plugs-up orifices......Also, adding weight to floats changes the game too.
It may be best to drain the bowls, wait for the new floats, and get it all done again?

Been there.....

Yup, already pulled the floats back off tonight. Still dry!.
Was purely a test run, and a great run at that.
Even took the missez around the block for her first rip.
Such a cozy cockpit, driving with my arm across her shoulders is gonna be back in vogue..
Will bump up the idle to 700 I think. 500 seems silly low to me and causes her to stall.
And definite gas peddle rework is in order. Not only is is kinda big, but it sits 6” ahead of the clutch and brake. Feels really weird going to the brake and back with that big difference in faces..not to mention the extra crook to the right leg required for gas.
Must adjust!,l.

That's a good lad. Do like I say and not like I do!
I would'a done the same!

So..How do ya keep the arm around her when you have to shift constantly?
I prefer to keep my hand on her leg. Handy!

I had a girl who would shift the gears with two hands on the shifter exactly as I told her to.
I simply kept my arm around her and drove....

It's true!

My arm candy celebrates a birthday today. Still gorgeous.

And looks really good in the right seat!
Cheers men.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

My arm candy celebrates a birthday today. Still gorgeous.

And looks really good in the right seat!
Cheers men.

Beautiful, enjoy the King Eddy....great place....and a great day to enjoy the city.