Gas pouring out of intake bells

[jjz28]

Maybe you have the wrong float needles. If you push down on them, they should stop unless maybe the seat is really worn or has crud in it.

[natemoen]

Are the rubbery tips of the needles hard or soft and squishy?

[D0wn5h1ft]

Are the rubbery tips of the needles hard or soft and squishy?

They are brand new (as of a week ago) so the viton tip is still fully intact. I put the float needle seats in the carb cleaner when I cleaned the carbs this fall; is there something that is one the seats that could have been removed by the cleaner? I though the seats were just made of brass

[skids]

Well, I didn't see where you answered the question concerning what type of carbs you are dealing with. If you replaced Orings, they must be the later carbs. If you pushed up on the float needle pin and it leaks while doing that, there is something obviously wrong with the fuel valve assemblies. Did you buy the needles and seats as a package deal (valve assemblies)? If not, maybe the seats and not matched with the needle lengths. If the needles are too short, they will not seal when the valve is closed. You can blow into the fuel hose with the carbs upside down, bowls off, to check for leaks. No need to get gasoling all over the place!

[D0wn5h1ft]

Well, I didn't see where you answered the question concerning what type of carbs you are dealing with. If you replaced Orings, they must be the later carbs. If you pushed up on the float needle pin and it leaks while doing that, there is something obviously wrong with the fuel valve assemblies. Did you buy the needles and seats as a package deal (valve assemblies)? If not, maybe the seats and not matched with the needle lengths. If the needles are too short, they will not seal when the valve is closed. You can blow into the fuel hose with the carbs upside down, bowls off, to check for leaks. No need to get gasoling all over the place!

I was just doing what motoman suggested . But blowing into the lines does sound a lot better than spilling money on the floor.

I compared the lengths to the float needles that were in there and they seemed to match up just fine. I think I mentioned in my original post that they are MNS carbs, 1980 to be exact.

Is it really possible that all four seat assemblies are bad? And to answer the question about did I buy them together, no I bought the needles separately and I am using the float needle seats that came with the carbs.

[DGXSER]

Well, yes, you should start with blowing into the fuel line to see if it seals air tight with light pressure. Only gas will find all the little nooks and crannies though. So consider that part 1 and 2 of the first test.

With the extent of the leaks your describing, are you certain it is coming through the fuel valve and not around that o-ring spot? If the needles are correct for the seats, even worn ones seal better than your describing.

[mack]

Needles

I have several sets of carbs here and i have found basically three different styles of needles and seats. AND they are not interchangeable.

[D0wn5h1ft]

I have several sets of carbs here and i have found basically three different styles of needles and seats. AND they are not interchangeable.

Well, Mack and whoever guess wrong needles wins the prize. I double checked the ones I bought on ebay new claiming that they were "compatible with the XS1100LG" against the ones I took out and they are completely different.

For clarification for anyone that is confused by my signature, I have a set of XS1100LG carbs on a '79 standard.

No more leaking but now I have more problems...

[Schming]

...I am using the float needle seats that came with the carbs.

JAT, You may want to try and buff the brass seats with a small dremel buffing pad and compound till they shine, then they may seal.

[skids]

Eagle or Mothers Milk polish on a q-tip will do the trick if you spin it between the fingers the right direction. Make sure there are no fibers left behind.

[DGXSER]

FYI, There is no difference between the 80 and 81 carbs as far as the float needle and seat.

I was suspicious you got the wrong needles.

HERE is the best price I see for the right set.

Realistically, you could find a full set of carb kits for less I think. Like HERE

Many will down play the non-mikuni jets in the kits, but your just worried about the float needle valve and seat anyway.

You may want to email George and see if he will sell you just the needle valve and seats for less. Mention your form this site, he is familiar with how much business he gets from the site.

[motoman]

JAT, You may want to try and buff the brass seats with a small dremel buffing pad and compound till they shine, then they may seal.

Since having the wrong needles, doing the above mentioned along with chucking the original float needles in a drill, spinning it and lightly touching the Viton with really fine emory will remove that glazed seat mark on them. Do that and repeat the upside down leak test with your tank above the carb bank. May be surprised at the results.

[Eastcoaster]

A few thoughts for you. First test is the upside down bench test. Set the float heights to 23 mm, then hook up a fuel source. Blip each float to get the air out, dry the bowl and such with towels and or compressed air. Now take a break, go eat lunch, come back and look for signs of leaking. If its dry move to test 2. If its wet, your needle valve, seats or both are dirty or worn. Or you tore the o rings when installing the seats.

Test 2, put the bowls on, turn carbs right side up, set them level front to back and side to side, add fuel. Watch for leaks. Sometimes you do need to tap the float bowl to get them to stop leaking. I always trim the gasket back so there is no overhang.

Only after passing both test do I mount them on the bike.

If you pass test 1 and don't pass test 2 ( I tried a float from another carb)(cut the gasket) and (checked for free swing) What's next I have been fighting this all day on the bench test on # 2 carb all others are fine. I am at a total loss

[Schming]

You could try switching floats around to see if there's a bad float or float valve.