Hi Everyone!

I just signed up and made an account, so I’m not familiar with the forums here at all. If this is posted in the wrong place, please let me know and direct me to a better place to post this! I’d like to get some help, not just get over-looked because I goofed up. (=

Anyways, on to the problem! My fiancé has a 1968 Mustang with what we think might be a problem with the carburetor. The car was starting just fine up until a few weeks ago. When we went to start it up the last time, we noticed she was leaking fuel! Every time you pump the gas, a little stream of fuel squirts out and pools in the engine area. I’m sorry, I know absolutely nothing about cars so I’m sure this description doesn’t really help you out, but I was able to take some photos and I pointed out where the fuel is leaking and pooling.

Our best guess is that it’s a problem with maybe a cracked rubber seal somewhere, but again, I know nothing about cars and how to fix them. I just thought it would be a safer bet to make a posting here and see if anyone has had a similar problem and has any friendly advice to lend before we try to tow the car to a repair shop and run the risk of having some crook tell us the car is worse off than she really is.

I appreciate ANY and ALL help you have to offer! I will try to answer any questions you have and I can take additional pictures if you need me to. The pictures below were originally taken with a camera phone, but I’m going to get new batteries for my actual digi-cam so I can take better, more detailed shots if anyone requires them.

Thank you!!!!

 

if you're leaking fuel, it could be a number of issues. suspect the rubber and internals are old, and it's in your best interest to have the carb rebuilt. The kit is about $25-30, but the labor is a couple of hours. Given your honesty regarding your wrenching ability, it's best you pay a mechanic to do it. Here is some advise, find a carburator shop, not a routine repair shop. A good carb shop can knock that out in one afternoon. Where you located in CA?

 

Those are pretty good pictures. I think you conveyed the problem well. I agree with groho that you should get the carb rebuilt or possibly replace it.

 

If you get the carb rebuilt you do not need to tow the car. Just unbolt it and take it in. You have good photography skills so just take pictures of how it is now and you can reconnect it yourself or if you do not feel comfortable with that just tow it.
*Just trying to give and idea on how to save some dough from a tow and put it towards the carb rebuild.

 

Looks like you need a new accelerator pump (the square piece with the lever on it) and the gasket is either leaking or the in-line fuel filter (the metal piece connecting to the carb) you have may be leaking. I think it's the carb gasket that is leaking.

Anyway - rebuilding these 1-barrel carbs yourself is pretty easy, I did it myself without much in the way of mechanical skills. However, if you do tackle the job, you want to make sure not to tighten down the carb top too much or you can warp it and it won't seal correctly. Both the accelerator pump and carb gaskets are included in the carb rebuild kit.

But being that you say you are not mechanically inclined, I'd just have it rebuilt by someone at a local carburetor shop or purchase a rebuilt one as the others have said.

Removing the carb is pretty straightforward, but can get a bit messy. I just take a handful of rags or paper towels and put them underneath the fuel inlet line (at the top front of the carb) and slowly unscrew it while letting all the gas leak out onto the rags. Then disconnect the vacuum hose on the passenger side of the carb, disconnect the choke tube which comes from the exhaust manifold, disconnect the accelerator linkage at the back (should just pop off the ball it rotates on). After that, you should be able to remove the 2 nuts at the base that hold the carburetor to the manifold/spacer. Make sure to keep the carb horizontal when you remove it as there is a chamber of gas in it that could leak out.

 

It looks like the accelerator pump gasket may be blown or perhaps just the 4 screws around it are loose?..Try snugging them up and see if it helps..

 

If you have one gasket leaking the others arent far behind. If you feel comfortable you can rebuild the carb yourself for 20-30 dollars.

If you want a shop to rebuild it i would strongly recommend against driving it in. Fuel leaks are where engine fires come from. With a good shop you should be able to take the carb off yourself and they will rebuild it. After you install it and there is no more fuel leaks drive it in and they will give the carb a tune up.

 

there are some really helpful guides on how to rebuild a carb online or in the shop manual. its quite easy even without any sort of skill :P

did you know you have 2 fuel filters lol?

 

If you decide to rebuild it yourself I would recommend going to your local parts store and get some Berryman cleaner. It comes in what looks like a paint can and has a basket included. You remove the carb, then take it apart. All metal or brass parts go in the basket and soak in the cleaner. Afterwards, make sure to blow compressed air on all parts to remove any gunk/leftover cleaner. You should also run either some heavy duty fishing wire or, I think, a G chord guitar string through the jets to clear any gunk.

 

Perhaps even search for a local classic mustang club in your area. One of the members may be willing to rebuild it for you, or at least point you to a good local rebuilder.

Good luck.