81 xs1100 midnight special

[scrambler]

my problem is that i have 1 cylinder flooding the plug is wet when removed.i have adjusted the air/fuel mixture screw with no help.what could be my problem with it flooding only on no.1 cylinder thanks for any help

[CatatonicBug]

Hey Scrambler. I don't have any help for your problem, but I thought I'd welcome you to the site! Lots of helpful folks here, and tons of information to be gleaned.

[dbeardslee]

Scrambler - are you getting a spark on that cylinder? Could be a bad fuel valve in that carb, or float height could be off. Got more info on the problem?

[scrambler]

i am getting spark on that cylinder. i will check float level thanks for advice

[dbeardslee]

While you've got the carb apart you might check the needle on the float valve for wear. Could also be something between the needle and the seat preventing it from shutting off the gas - little piece of rust, etc. Also might want to make sure the vent is clear on that carb as that will make 'em bubble over too.

[FANNING507]

I have the same bike, and it was the #2 cylinder. If your air cleaner fills with gas also, its probably the float adjustment. It could be that the float is stuck on the gasket. If everything is clear, bend the tang. There are very good threads on this site if you take the time to search for them. The tang adjustment is just by guess. Some of the members have luck measuring the float adjustment height upside down with the four carbs off. I found that attaching a clear tube to the bottom of the carb and opening the screw gave me the fuel level on each carb. #2 was full and overflowing for me. I changed the needle valve and seats first, but it was wasted money. I got lucky and bent the tang just right the first time. It's easier to do with the carbs off the bike and making a wooden carb holder like the one in the tech section. It's worth the time. All carbs are supposed to have the same fuel level. I noticed when I winterized my bike, that it wasn't perfect when I ran the carbs dry. Either two or three cylinders ran longer that the other one or two. That apprears to be a good way to check the adjustment job when you think you have it right. All 4 carbs should run out of gas at the same time. That hint isn't anywhere I looked. Good luck! Lottsa good info here. Kim

[tarzan]

Welcome Scrambler,
Did your bike run good then suddenly start having that problem or did it sit for a long time? I agree with the other guys it is probably a float issue.Maybe just sucked a piece of dirt into a needle and seat,or it has a worn out needle or seat,or maybe the o-ring under the fuel seat is no good.The 80 and 81 models use a o-ring under the seat and the earlier models the seat screws in with a gasket under it.Of course these would be if the thing is actually flooding and not just running rich.

[scrambler]

it was just running rich i almost got it right i did the bench sync with a breadtie it was off preety bad.