Should this pipe on my Carb be connected to anything?

[1958 harry]

What's this pipe for (arrowed) on my Carb? It's a 2.0 Pinto with the standard non VV Motorcraft carb.

The other end isn't connected to anything and when the engine is turned off petrol drips out.

Should it be connected to something?

[Neil]

a lot or just a drip

[1958 harry]

Just a reasonable Petrol smell and a few drips out the end of the pipe.

[Neil]

is it not for overfuelling is the carb faulty then my v8 has one on each but the only time ive seen it work or drip was when the carb needed sorting

[1958 harry]

It does seem a bit rich when it's running tbh. I think the carb needs a good clean and service, it's probably a bit gummed up due to lack of use.

Where can I get a rebuild kit for it? It's a Motorcraft 78hf carb I think, I've Googled it but not found anything.

[Muttley]

It's just a breather from the float chamber, it just hangs down the side of the engine. If fuel is coming out of it then you need to check the float height or replace the float valve

[1958 harry]

Thanks Muttley, I'll check the float height is right.

Where can I get a rebuild kit for it? It's probably worth stripping it and giving it all a good clean anyway.

[Neil]

ebay maybe I think a lot of people fit a webber in place of that carb

[1958 harry]

I can't afford to change the carb tbh. Plus I want to keep the Auto Choke and the van as original as possible so as it's a low mileage engine (17k) the carb isn't very worn just needs a good clean out I'd rather sort it tbh (unless it turns out it really is knackered).

[Neil]

that's assuming the carbs the vans original

[1958 harry]

Looks it. It's the correct 78hf that a 78 Pinto should have.

Anyway adjusting the float level seems to have cured it

[Muttley]