FYI Carb Vents

[Winterhawk]

After spending many hours working on a 1979 XS1100 SF it was pouring gas out the bottom of the air box. Did the usual stuff like rechecking float heights. Rechecking fuel levels. Replacing needles and seats with K@L then with OEM. No luck. Consulted with Brady from Merriam Cycle and he suggested checking the air box vents. Sure enough the vents were blocked for later years. I removed the brass from the vents in the airbox and it worked perfect. I was going nuts trying to figure this one out. Runs great now.

[fxrer]

Sure enough the vents were blocked for later years. I removed the brass from the vents in the airbox and it worked perfect.

I'm confused? Which vents in the airbox?

"...blocked for later years." ?

and "...removed the brass" What brass?

The only vents into my airbox are 1) the intake snorkel, 2) the top tubes, facing forward, one of which connects to the crankcase vent tube, and of course, 3) the bottom drain hole where gas could drain.

Is my airbox ('80 SG) differrent?

[DiverRay]

Yes, it is. The '78 and '79 had vents for the carbs going through "T's" into the airbox. With an '80, you don't need to worry about it.

[fxrer]

Thanks Diver!

While on the general subject, while checking the airbox, I noticed that the fuel line from the octupus to the left front petcock tube is kinked. It just seems like it is too long, and no matter how I try, I can't seem to get it routed so it doesn't crimp when the tank is lowered into position.

I know I have the fuel and vacuum lines hooked to both petcocks correctly (according to fig 42, pg 155 of my Clymers). And I know all hoses are original.

So, do I have them routed wrong? For carbs #1 & #2, does the fuel line, to the supply tees between carb float bowls, go between carbs #1 and #2, or more in the middle, between #2 and #3?

I've had the carbs on and off dozens of times, and never noticed this before.

Maybe I mixed the hose segments somehow?

I can always cut it to length, but it didn't kink when it came from the factory, so something is different?

Rick

[John]

The fuel lines to the T's are between #1 & 2, and 3 & 4 carbs, if you are still using the octopus. I have seen them looped down below the intake tubes and then back up to the T's which were pointed down. I would suggest which ever way doesn't kink on you. You'll probably want to get new fuel line while you're right there.

[randy]

You can route the left petcock to the right bank of carbs and vise versa. Allows wider sweeps an no kinks.

[fxrer]

That's a good idea, Randy! (Duh, why didn't I think of that!?)

Is Swamp Thing back in PA, or still in NY?

Doesn't much matter, though. Not much riding in either place lately, nor in the near future.

[randy]

Rick,

Swamp Thing is still with me in NY, trying to find a dry Friday to bring her home for the season. When I get her home in PA let's hook up for a run?