Float level checking

[newmaac]

I have read tech tips that refer to attaching clear tubing to the float bowl drain, in order to "see" the fluid level in the bowl.
I have searched, unsuccessfully, for a barbed fitting with an 8mm male thread to attach to the bowl.
Before i go drilling-out the center of an 8mm bolt, can anyone tell me how this is normally done??

Thanks

[natemoen]

A grease zerk with the center ball drilled out works.

[bikerphil]

I have read tech tips that refer to attaching clear tubing to the float bowl drain, in order to "see" the fluid level in the bowl.
I have searched, unsuccessfully, for a barbed fitting with an 8mm male thread to attach to the bowl.
Before i go drilling-out the center of an 8mm bolt, can anyone tell me how this is normally done??

Thanks

The 80 carbs that you have were intended for the float to be set on the bench upside down with a ruler. The spec is 23MM from the float bowl surface, gasket removed, to the highest part of the float. The later model 81 and up carbs have a fitting built into the bowl for attaching clear tubing. The ruler method will get the fuel level to the right height and much easier, JMHO.

[Bartman]

For the 78 Standard I used 10mm greese fittings. I used my grinder to grind off the tip so that the ball and spring would come out. They you have a good nipple. I also made a angled steel bracket so that the whole carb set could be held above my vise and leveled. I then used an old weed eater gas tank sitting on a shelf above the carbs with an in line cut off. The level of the gas can be seen very easily doing this, also if you let it sit for an hour you can see if your needle and seats are leaking or not because the level will rise up and start to flood the carb. I put my needles into a rubber tube and into my drill press to turn. I then a square nail polisher from my wife to clean and polish my tips.

[Bonz]

Ummm... as bikerphil just said, I agree...

For the purpose at hand, measuring the floats with a ruler is the ticket... We're splitting hairs otherwise, guys.

There is a range for the float height on my 80G and SG, like .906" +/- .020" or something like that. We are kidding ourselves by leveling the carbs to perfection, rigging up these devices, etc. So, if the fuel level is off in the "fuel line method" you wanna/gaonna take the bowls off to tweak it? I am sure mama Yama didn't do it that way! Measuring IS more than adequate!

Correct me if I am wrong on that?

[lvrsnr]

A grease zerk with the center ball drilled out works.

float height measurement is approximate... fuel level height is exact and compensates for differences in float weight, inlet valve seal, etc. and problems with the fuel level control system! if you want approximate go with float height if you want exact go with fuel level.

[crazy steve]

For the purpose at hand, measuring the floats with a ruler is the ticket... We're splitting hairs otherwise, guys.

I'll agree. Although getting this as precise as possible is a good thing. Here's what I use... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36046

The other thing to consider when using the 'sight glass' method on the '78-80 carbs is what is the 'correct' level? These have a different volume compared to the '81-82 bowls (which are smaller internally), so using the later spec may or may not be right. There is no 'sight glass' spec for the early bowls, so it's just an educated guess....

[Bonz]

Overkill, IMO... Carbs are not exact devices by any stretch of the imagination, and fuel level adjusting is a way for us to think we are making difference. How much diffference in weight do the floats themselves exhibit anyway?

I am not saying the fuel level method is not an overall more precise method, we are kidding ourselves if we think that precise of a measurement will make a difference with fuel delivery on these carbs.

[lvrsnr]

Yes anyone wanting average performance from these machines should always go for what is just whatever is within specification and easy! however if you expect the most from any machine you should strive for the exact center of design specification. and the easiest way to effect fuel / air ratio on a carburated engine is to change fuel level in the bowl. just don't bitch later when it doesn't perform to your expectations when you have been inexact with your adjustments!

[natemoen]

I'll agree. Although getting this as precise as possible is a good thing. Here's what I use... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36046

The other thing to consider when using the 'sight glass' method on the '78-80 carbs is what is the 'correct' level? These have a different volume compared to the '81-82 bowls (which are smaller internally), so using the later spec may or may not be right. There is no 'sight glass' spec for the early bowls, so it's just an educated guess....

Thanks for fixing the auto-correct mistake Steve.

I do agree as well with everyone about measuring the floats. There is no specified measurement for this model carb for this type of measurement.

[crazy steve]

I think what Howard and several of us are saying that being overly anal about this is very unlikely to gain you much if anything. Think about all the other variables involved; does every jet flow exactly the same? Is every carb slide the exact same weight? Does each slide see the same friction moving up and down? Does each slide spring have the same tension?

Sure, getting 'everything' exactly right will get you top performance, but with 30 year old parts your chances of achieving perfection are about nil. And keep in mind that the best-performing XS ('78E) used the 'crude' method....

[lvrsnr]

I think what Howard and several of us are saying that being overly anal about this is very unlikely to gain you much if anything. Think about all the other variables involved; does every jet flow exactly the same? Is every carb slide the exact same weight? Does each slide see the same friction moving up and down? Does each slide spring have the same tension?

Sure, getting 'everything' exactly right will get you top performance, but with 30 year old parts your chances of achieving perfection are about nil. And keep in mind that the best-performing XS ('78E) used the 'crude' method....

So to sum up. If you pay no attention to your work, don't expect much from it! & those that have machines that excell are anal anyway?

[mack]

Float levels

To answer the question. Yes it is possible.

These levels are too high. But originally measured to spec with calipers, I always shoot for the miniscuss to be at the top of the washer and the dip just below.

This one is just about right. My bikes have no stumbles throught the tach and my plugs are beautiful after 6K miles. I used the grease nipples for attachement. Off the shelf at Canadian tire. Take a bowl with you when you go. I tried a couple that were close but not quite right before I found the perfect one.
Anyway. It all depends on how anal you are as to which method you use. Is it over kill. Probably. I do it this way so I only mount the carbs once. It's a bitch to put them on and take them off aagin a number of times to get the levels right.

[lvrsnr]

thanks Mack very well done.

[GLoweVA]

I'll add my 2cents.
I have the 80/81 newer floats, but this advice may be more valuable to those that have the brass floats.
How do you know 100% that your floats float like they should?
I believe you should check with the ruler, but then at least once during your ownership of your bike, check with the tube method. This will give you 100% satisfaction that your floats are floating like they should. If one float is off, then you'll know that next time you're in there verifying float heights, that that one needs a little more (or less) of an adjustment.
Ask yourself why did the 81 bowls come with drain attachments and a description in the manual for checking it this way.
As for nipples, not me. I just used tygon tubing that was real close in OD to the threaded hole and 'screwed' the tubing into the hole. It held good enough to get a reading. I now know 100% that all 4 of my floats are darn close to what they measure out by ruler.