Newbie has a carb leaking - help

[area51child]

1980 XS1100 Midnight Special, leaks gas through the carb(s) to the air cleaner when sitting with the engine off. I assume it is a float in the bowl, i'm mechanically inclined, but I can't say I know too much, especially about carbs. Started doing it after sitting the winter, but I just been filling it with what I think I need for the ride and let the rest run out. What do I need to do to fix it, how bad is it, etc. Still runs like a top though. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[mro]

For fuel to leak float valve neddle is either worn or has debres keeping it from closing, (80's are rubber tipped) also petcock sounds like it's leaking to.

tech tips at left cover this pretty well.


mro
btw
Welcome to XSland

[trbig]

Yup. If your petcocks leak, your octo is supposed to keep it from flooding your carbs. If your petcocks AND octo fail, your needle valves should stop it. Sounds like it's time to clean your carbs, redo your petcocks and install inline filters between your tank and your octo. You also may check to see if you have alot of rust/ debri in your tank... that may need cleaning out also.
Like MRO said, you can find out how to do all of these things in the tech tips or by using the search option at the top, but don't be scared to ask questions if you just don't understand something. When you take a personal involvement in your machine and turn the wrenches yourself, there's no better feeling when you get it back together and she just purrs for you.... knowing YOU made it do that! Welcome to the site and good luck!

Tod

[prometheus578]

Yup... Petcocks not shutting off when the engine isn't running, and float needles also not stemming the flow of fuel. With the fuel running into the airbox, it's also most likely that it's running the other way, as well; into the cylinders, past the rings and into the oil. Fix the fuel problems, and then change your oil and filter.
(I've seen engines ruined due to carbs leaking gas in the oil)