UK Car Repair: Jag MK2 1960, float bowl, lubricant

Question
Hi, I have just taken the above out of the garage for the first time in a few months...starts up well but there is masses leaking from the carb overflow...I presume the needle is sticking after being idle for a while.....any suggests on the easiest way of testing this and getting it fixed?

Answer
It may just be a stuck needle, you can usually unstick it by tapping the bowl with a solid implement -a socket extension-. Tap it while it is running and watch to see if it stops, it takes a minute or so.  Otherwise take off the float bowl cover and spray some lubricant in the valve.  It may though be a  bad float which has allowed fuel to enter, if so you have to change it.