XS1100SG Overhaul on Carbs done but fuel in Air Box!

[XS11NEWROSS]

Hi guys,
I have just completed an overhaul of the carbs with kits from georgefix, adjusted float heights and a good cleaning with new boots added too. Took her out today and when I got back after a short ride I find I have fuel dripping out of the air-box. I did have her (stopped) for less than a minute on the side stand (and the octy has been removed by myself as the new guage fuel pipe was just too thick to get all the pipes in place, may replace later if I get thinner more original line!), I just wondered if you have any thoughts, I know it is normally a sticking float or needle jet dirty but these were checked and new. The PO had a fire in the box before so I replaced all to try to prevent a re-run. The thought of pulling the whole lot out again is not making me feel the joy ..... have I missed something?

[dpotter58]

Hello Paul, I just fought the same problem. Took them apart and re-cleaned and did everything I could think of. After the 3rd attempt, I figured out I had a leaking float. Changed it out and all was well. Assuming you have done all the proper cleaning and float level settings, check the float to be sure they are good.
Did you do the blow into the fuel line to be sure the needles were seating?

[XS11NEWROSS]

Checking seats and floats

Thanks for the quick reply, I did blow through and also upside down checking the main line through when assembled, I did not check the floats though, they are the black plastic ones and I stupidly thought they would be ok but now I am thinking a check is called for. I think when I was putting all new stuff into them I got complacent and thought I'd be fine but I reckon now I am lucky it's not a bigger disaster! I have just now drained the oil and found fuel in it, I hope it will be ok after I change it as it was definately only a minute or two but who knows?

I will take the whole lot out and check all again, if the floats are ok I am going to hit something ....

Thank you so much for the advice and I will update as soon as I can,

Best wishes to all.

[fredintoon]

Thanks for the quick reply, I did blow through and also upside down checking the main line through when assembled, I did not check the floats though, they are the black plastic ones and I stupidly thought they would be ok but now I am thinking a check is called for. I think when I was putting all new stuff into them I got complacent and thought I'd be fine but I reckon now I am lucky it's not a bigger disaster! I have just now drained the oil and found fuel in it, I hope it will be ok after I change it as it was definately only a minute or two but who knows?

Hi Paul,
I read on this list that the floats have two bendythings.
One sets the float height to control the fuel level and there's all manner of info on how that one is set.
T'other stops the float dropping down too far and letting the float needle get all squinty so it jams and don't want to lift up again to shut the fuel off.
Info on setting that one? Not so much; but that's the one that I reckon is giving you the trouble.

[crazy steve]

Make sure the float bowl gaskets aren't hanging the floats. Some of the aftermarket gaskets need trimming on the sides to clear the floats... a pretty common problem. Use a sharp single-edge razor blade to trim them.

[DGXSER]

You mention how thick the fuel line is. Would it be the std auto type double wall stuff, with a softer rubber lining inside? I used some of that once, fought carb flooding over and over and over. Till I changed out the fuel line. The barbs on the Ts scrape off small pieces of rubber that get to the float valves and stick them open.

[Eastcoaster]

MY New Rule

My new rule clean them 3 times and bench test them 3 times before going on the bike. Keep at it till you get it and lots of patience took me a month to get it right. So many factors rule them out one at a time. Once I got it no problems at all. Hang in there

[jetmechmarty]

Are the floats all rotating freely on the pivot? One thing for sure, one or more float valves are not closing.



This Motion Pro Premium Fuel Line was the ticket for me. You just have to be sure to make gentle bends. It kinks easily. I tried the automotive fuel line as well. I got rid of it. I had my carburetors off and on so many times chasing the stuck float valve that I can now do the job in just a few minutes. The good news is that I can no longer remember when the last time was. Once I got it sorted out, I just ride it.

[BA80]

THIS is what I use for fuel line. Stays pretty soft, you can see the fuel flow through it, and most of the time it fit's tight enough that a clamp isn't necessary.

[XS11NEWROSS]

Thanks for all your help and support

Thank you so much guys for all the help and suggestions. I can't thank you enough. It's been 30 years since ny last bike and I truly love this machine and its quality. I will start at the top taking all of your comments and advice. New lines for a start. A week off work .... update will follow. Thanks again.

[mack]

drop tangs

Take a close look at the action of the floats with the bowls off. Roll the carbs forward and backward and see which one is hanging up. Also, i just had a set that leaked and it turned out that the float pin was bent ever so slightly and it impeded the rotation of the float.

[ViperRon]

Another issue with the floats is at times they can be bent to where they do not hang squarly and others are bent to where one float is higher then the other side. The shaft can be worn and another issue can be that testing in your hand you do not see it but if the bike is on the side stand idling before you cut it off the floats will slowly slide over getting the float needle cocked to one side and it will hang. Any little particles of rust from the tank or water in gas can also hang the needle open. I have seen people bitten by all these and myself a few times.

[TopCatGr58]

Here are a couple of images borrowed from a poster on the UK site.




They show the limiting tang and what can happen IF the float drops a bit too far causing the needle to get slanted and caught/stuck!

T.C.

[Schming]

this is what i use for fuel line. Stays pretty soft, you can see the fuel flow through it, and most of the time it fit's tight enough that a clamp isn't necessary.

^^^ x 2 ^^^

Doesn't kink as easy as the others also.

And is Ethanol proof.

[russell]

Diaphragms

Whilst we are on the carb overhaul!!! Just done my carbs but two DIAPHRAGMS when pushed up they don't snap back down. Have cleaned them with carb cleaner, but no difference. Should they all snap back down or slide down slowly?