series 3 has started idling high and leaking fuel

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Apr 29, 2015 | 08:03 AM

jjd

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: ireland

series 3 has started idling high and leaking fuel

As title says, my series 3 on carbs, is suddenly idling at between 1500 to 2500 rpm and the overflow pipe on one of the carbs is pumping out petrol onto the ground. Whats the diagnosis folks?

Apr 29, 2015 | 08:07 AM

Jose

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Florida

the high idle can be a vacuum leak, a stuck linkage, or the throttle return spring is missing or "sprung", not pulling the linkage back.

Apr 29, 2015 | 08:09 AM

Jagfixer

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From: Millstadt, IL

Stuck needle seat.

Apr 29, 2015 | 10:18 AM

jjd

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Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 290

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From: ireland

Yep needle seat it was. Wasn't going all the way back into position due to gunk! Took it apart cleaned it up and its fine now. Also did other carb as well. Cheers chaps.

Apr 29, 2015 | 04:00 PM

Fraser Mitchell

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From: Crewe, England

This must be one of the rare 3.4 litre cars. A good engine.

May 3, 2015 | 02:13 PM

jjd

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: ireland

Yep not many 3.4 series 3's round these parts. 1985 with carbs and aed, also cloth seats and less veneer and chrome than 4.2 siblings. It has been upgraded to sovereign spec over years. Solid all rounder she is.