Carby floats - brass, plastic

[rockman]

Hi all
One of the brass floats on my 1980 XS1100 has developed pinholes and fills with petrol. Common problem it seems. I just want to check that the plastic ones from mikesxs (Part #20-6502) are the right ones and ask what the float height should be with these fitted.
thanks, Phil

Also, I see they have non-vacuum type fuel taps - do these fit the 1100? Look like they should.

[natemoen]

Which model xs do you have, I am assuming you have a standard. If I am correct the non vacuum petcocks that mikesxs has will not work for the standard tank.

But those are the correct floats. The brass ones can be soldered to fix the hole but you need to be careful so you don't overheating the float (all the solder joints will suddenly fall apart DAMHIKIJK) and you need to be very light on the solder so that you don't mess with the balance touch.

[rockman]

Which model xs do you have, I am assuming you have a standard. If I am correct the non vacuum petcocks that mikesxs has will not work for the standard tank.

But those are the correct floats. The brass ones can be soldered to fix the hole but you need to be careful so you don't overheating the float (all the solder joints will suddenly fall apart DAMHIKIJK) and you need to be very light on the solder so that you don't mess with the balance touch.

Thanks Nathan
Do I still set the float heights the same?
Phil

[natemoen]

That I can't say for sure. They are shaped different so you may have to go with the later model float high but don't know for sure. Someone who know will chim in soon.

[natemoen]

Didn't go all the way to the bottom of the page on mikes site. There is another petcock on there p/n20-0019. That one may work for standards. You would almost have to e-mail mike and ask him the center to center measurement on the bolt holes.

[DGXSER]

Plastic or brass, set the float height as appropriate for that year carb, since you have brass floats it would seem you have the earlier carbs.

If your "upgrading" to the plastic floats, you may also want to look into the upgrad in the float needle seats and valves. The older models use a metal valve mating to a metal seat. These tend to leak more often and wear much quicker. The Virago XV920 uses the same thread and size of seat as the older carbs but has a viton tipped valve. Many folks have upgraded to those.

[rockman]

Plastic or brass, set the float height as appropriate for that year carb, since you have brass floats it would seem you have the earlier carbs.

If your "upgrading" to the plastic floats, you may also want to look into the upgrad in the float needle seats and valves. The older models use a metal valve mating to a metal seat. These tend to leak more often and wear much quicker. The Virago XV920 uses the same thread and size of seat as the older carbs but has a viton tipped valve. Many folks have upgraded to those.

Already fitted the viton tipped needles, so all should be good with the new floats.

Phil

[rockman]

[QUOTE=DGXSER;314311]Plastic or brass, set the float height as appropriate for that year carb, since you have brass floats it would seem you have the earlier carbs.

Yes I have the earlier carbs, but I am fitting the plastic floats. These are a different shape. Does that affect the float height measurement?
Phil

[DGXSER]

Nope, still set the height as specified for those carbs, plastic or brass.

[rockman]

Nope, still set the height as specified for those carbs, plastic or brass.

Thanks.....................

[81xsproject]

Plastic or brass, you can adjust to the same height. I did some tests a few years ago to be sure. If you go the vx float valves just be sure not to use the washer or you will alter the needle height. Use the yellow fuel line tape to seal the threads instead.