Fuel system - Runs then dies

Stuck float valve

Penned by Covkid:

Apart from the more obvious (although harder to spot) blockages in jets etc, a common problem if the vehicle has been stood for some time is a sticking float valve. The float valve, in normal operation, redirects excess fuel to the fuel return pipe once the float bowl is full. However, if carb has been dry, deposits can foul the float valve leaving it stuck fast or the small metal hook on the valve that is attached to the float, becomes detached, effectively stopping the flow of fuel.

At the driver end this either manifests itself as a non-start situation, or at most you'll get twenty seconds running and then the engine will die. The carburettor is being denied fuel.

Note these two photos

The first one shows the float valve with the small wire hook, and the second one shows the hook attached to float arm. If the float valve looks rough along the sides, you can lightly dress it with fine emery cloth but DO NOT touch the the pointed end or you'll ruin the seal and potentially cause flooding.