gas in the airbox

[tab1324]

I bought a XJ11 for $200 with the knowledge that "one of the carbs leaks gas and it runs rough". Tonight I was working on it and I got it started to find that the carb itself doesn't leak gas but the fuel lines connected to the inline filters do. Also there are big kinks in the line prior to entering the carbs. Would the kinks cause it to run rough because it's not getting proper gas?

The airbox is getting gas in it, possibly from the leaking fuel lines next to it. Other thought - I pulled the plugs and cylinder #2 doesn't seem to be getting gas - the plug was bone dry while all the others were wet with gas. Is it possible that the carb would bypass gas somehow back into the airbox? Maybe a stupid question - I don't know.

Thanks.

Tom B.

[pgg]

XS11's and XJ11's for 200 bucks! You yanks have got it sweet alright! Strip the carbs, clean them up, slap on some new fuel hose, fire it up. Lucky bugger.

[TheDjost]

And when you clean the carbs, pay close attention to the float valves. They are the ones that will fill your airbox.

When it's running right, change the oil. If the gas leaks into the airbox, there is also a possibility that it will leak into the cylinders, and then past the rings into the oil. that's why you have 3 wet plugs, and one dry one. The one that's dry MAY be the only cylinder that's firing. The other ones may be flooded.

-Justin

[dragxs11]

I agree with Justin, Tom. I just picked up a second '80 special for $600 and have started the carb work. Both my finished bike and this new one have had bad float valves. I have removed both octepuses. If the floats and float valves are working properly, they won't leak. Besides, while sitting for weeks on end, the fuel can evaporate and will allow enough flow to keep the gas in the bowls from sitting stagnent.
Matt

[tab1324]

What are the octopuses? I'm new to this so it may be a stupid question... Are these "float valve" the same as needle valves that are in the float bowl? Are there any other parts recommended when overhauling the carb or should I just stick in new float valves and clean them up?

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

Tom B.

[TheDjost]

Search for octopus on the forum. You'll find a lot more than you ever wish to know about it.... But in short it's the vacuum operated shut-off fuel valve that replaces the vacuum petcocks on some models.

-Justin

[TheDjost]

By the way, you usually won't need to replace all float valves. Just try to clean them first. Take them apart, spray them with carb cleaner spray, and wipe them gently with a q-tip. Usually you will be able to bring them back as all that's wrong with them is a lot of crud keeping them open.

-Justin

[dragxs11]

I, personally, like to make try to make sure I don't have to do things twice. I would rather spend the extra money to buy kits for all four carbs and better my chances of not having to tear them off again. But do it however it suits you. I just took apart my new xs's carbs tonight, and found that for the second time, someone has been in there already. Now with both of my bikes, someone has replaced the floats, and not set the float height. The tabs should be bent slightly, and are all flat. That can be another cause of overflow I forgot about.
I also have a similar issue with my bike only idling on 3 cyls. I knew this when I bought it and also know why. The pilot jet on my #1 carb was clogged up. This is the jet used for fuel regulation at idle. I can't say for sure that your #2 has the same problem, but it sounds that way. After sitting any great length of time, carb work seems to be a very common problem. I've cleaned a lot of crud out of mine tonight, I know many others have been here too.
Matt