1941 Cadillac Stromberg Carb Slight Leak

[ghjedi]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 1941 Cadillac Series 63 and have a question about the Stromberg carburetor.  The car is in fantastic shape and all original, though the carb was recently rebuilt because of a bad accelerator pump.  After driving it a few times, I have noticed a very slight fuel leak at what appears to be the gasket line just above the brass screw on the side, and I have tightened down the carburetor top screws just to ensure it wasn't something as simple as a loose top.  The leak is what I would call slight weeping: it isn't enough to cause fuel to run down the side, but it is damp and at times there's the slight smell of raw fuel in the engine bay. I'm told this is normal, especially after shutting off the car, but it does seem odd to me and I'm worried about the risk of fire.  I'm new to owning a car from the '40s, as my oldest Caddy was a 1960 DeVille and the Carter carb on this car never had such as issue.  I would appreciate your input on what is normal vs. not for the Stromberg carburetor.  I believe the exact model is AAV-26.  Thank you in advance!

[Jim Miller]

Mine was rebuilt last fall and it shows a little, what you call, dampness in places. As long as it's not running out or really smelling of gas, I don't worry.
And every time I post a photo it's wrong side up.

[ghjedi]

Thank you Jim for confirming!  Here’s a photo of the carb that was recently rebuilt.

[Jim Miller]

When I looked at the photo I posted, I panicked. Looked like a crack in the intake manifold. I raced out to the garage and discovered a piece of fuz handing there, probably from the little cleaning swabs I use where my fingers can't reach.

[Jeff Hansen]

Attached is Mr. Miller's photo flipped around.

Jeff

[pmhowe]

My cars are older (1935 and 1937) and newer (1966 - but British) and I would be thrilled to see such small leaks.

Phil