Finally got the carbs done!

[old_skool]

Finally got the carbs done, hope they work half as good as they look, even used allen screws for the choke lever

[natemoen]

I like the color on the brackets! Maybe someday I will do that!

[old_skool]

Thanks, I wanted some contrast, I hate to install them now, I just want to stare at them on a shelf

[mack]

The outside

certainly look very clean and shiney. How did you polish them?

[old_skool]

Aluminum paint.

[Schming]

Nice Job!!!They look great, hope they run as good as they look.

[RJFort]

paint

did you have to use a special paint in order to make sure the gas and ethanol don't eat the paint away, since gas essentially is a solvent? I want to paint mine as soon as I get them clean and rebuilt.

[old_skool]

Nope, just used a standard metallic aluminum paint, there are some clear coats that offer some moderate fuel resistance, but I didn't want that much buildup on the carbs, I know gas can inadvertently get on these from time to time if you're constantly removing them, or have a bad petcock, leaking tank or pulling fuel lines, but for the most part, the external parts of the carb should not be getting doused with fuel, and if they do, I'll just touch them up. Out of all the bikes I've owned, I've never encountered one with so many fuel issues as these models, almost as notorious as their tranny problems. My petcocks are currently fine, tank in good shape, hopefully when I fuel I'll be mindfull not to overfill, and for the most part prevent most mishaps and deal with the ones I have.
I've read another thread before where several members have painted their carbs with great success without all the extra worry, and touch them up as needed.

[cywelchjr]

You know, I personally don't understand all the problems with leaking carbs. Ok, so I do. But it's not something I've ever experienced on my XS11, my carbs have NEVER leaked on my watch, my tank dripped some after I got it, and that tank is sitting on my non-titled frame cause it's almost more holes than not holes, so it got replaced.

[jetmechmarty]

Out of all the bikes I've owned, I've never encountered one with so many fuel issues as these models, almost as notorious as their tranny problems.

I think that's only because the bikes are 30 something years old and many have suffered neglect or improper maintenance at some point. I think once it's right, it's right. Just don't allow it to suffer neglect again. Enthanol free fuel would help, too!