"new" xs1100 owner

[Franklknott]

picked up a 1979 XS1100 with 21000 miles. I tore the bike down to the frame, cleaned, painted, new breaks, new seat, ready to run? No, I have gas in the oil. I figured I had a float stuck. Disassembled all carbs, clean real well. set the floats at the book setting. all seemed ok, and it is as long as I don't select Pime. My question is, will the floats shut off the fuel when in Prime or am I asking too much of these float valves? Being a new 1100 owner ( I have a 2002 Road Star) I assumed the floats would hold the fuel. Do I replace the float valves? Thanks in advance for any help I can get

[Ken Talbot]

The floats are supposed to shut off the flow, but don't count on it. The later models had rubber tips on the needles and probably worked better. The earlier years had a metal tip sitting against a metal seat. Throw in 20+ years of use, a grooved metal needle, or a pitted seat, or a perished rubber tip, and you're asking for trouble.

If the needles are grooved, you'll want to replace them and/or make sure you never leave the petcocks on prime. If the seats are dirty or worn, you might clean them up by lightly running a drill bit CCW by hand.

Finally, be sure the petcocks are working properly so there is no fuel flow in either on or reserve unless the engine is running.

[sixtysix]

You can get new carb kits and petcock kits from K&L at any bike dealer. Kens advice is right on. If you had 80 and up carbs I would have suggested checking the o-rings around the needle vavles, but a 79 should not have those. I would check the floats for leaks, those brass ones can develop pin holes.

[nashville_bill]

Another thing to check would be the float pivot pins. After a recent cleaning, I had trouble with #1 float sticking (flooding- gas everywhere) and found a very slightly bent float pivot pin. I straightened it and have had no more problems.

Good Luck!

[Franklknott]

Thanks guys for the info. I have ordered replacement float valves and hope they arrive soon. I am getting excited about getting this one on the road. I'm sure it will be an experance. I am used to my Road Star and its a great ride but not sporty. Lookin forward to the ride. I'll let ya know how it runs in a few days. Again, thanks and stay safe.

[Mark Van Winkle]

Frank,

Middleburg Florida! I had a secretary work for me for about 6 years from Middleburg. She and her husband always said it was a great place to live. (They were stationed at FAFB in Spokane). Now I know of 2 folks from Middleburg.

Welcome to the group.