I know that some of us on the list are continually fighting one issue or
another on our cars. I have been reasonably fortunate with the 68 in
that I can jump in and go with no worries other than checking the oil
level every couple of days. I had tweaked the SU's a bit so that I was
getting great acceleration out of the tired old engine. I was running
into the neighboring town yesterday and the car was acting sluggish and
soon the smell of gas was strong in the cockpit. On arrival to my
destination (it was only another 1 1/2 miles) I opened the bonnet to see
what the issue was and my front carb fuel line had ruptured at the fuel
bowl. Fortunately none of the pouring gas had caused the inevitable
fire. I bought a section of clear 3/16 fuel line and replaced that
section. I took a second and reached back to the rear carb and ran my
fingers around that hose as well. I am glad I did, it had splits in the
rubber at both ends. It had not yet deteriorated through the woven
reinforcement but it would not have been long. It is also the carb
directly over your exhaust, so it had a better chance of turning ugly. I
have a fire extinguisher in the boot, but I would rather not use it (it
might mar the chrome finish <G> yes chrome :^P ) Please check your fuel
hoses regularly, it doesn't take long, do it while your adding your oil,
that ought to be often enough <BG>. And if you don't have a fire
extinguisher, think about getting one. Think of how much you love your
little car, how good you are at body work, and look at the price vs.
those considerations.......................
Brad Fornal
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