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  • float neeedles?

    Went to get the bike today to ride. Carbs cleaned this past winter thoroughly,float height set, bread tie sync to get it to where I can ride it. Turned on fuel and bike runs really nice but as soon as fuel is turned on #3 carb leaks-Rapped on float bowl but fuel steadily drips out of bowl. Would the float needles be the cause? Fuel drips after a bit steadily. I have new float needles to put in if need be.
    1980 XS1100 SG
    Inline fuel filters
    New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
    160 mph speedometer mod
    Kerker Exhaust
    xschop K & N air filter setup
    Dynojet Recalibration kit
    1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
    1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

  • #2
    Originally posted by oldyam80sg View Post
    Went to get the bike today to ride. Carbs cleaned this past winter thoroughly,float height set, bread tie sync to get it to where I can ride it. Turned on fuel and bike runs really nice but as soon as fuel is turned on #3 carb leaks-Rapped on float bowl but fuel steadily drips out of bowl. Would the float needles be the cause? Fuel drips after a bit steadily. I have new float needles to put in if need be.
    yep sounds like, could be a bit of dirt on the tip. mine did it a few weeks ago, so i drained the float bowl and then turned the fuel tap to prim, the bit of dirt was washed off the tip of the float valve and sealed its self.

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks for the reply Tony! I bought new float needles a while ago. Going to take the carbs off and replace it. I was amazed how well the bike sounded after going through the carbs-no carb popping at all. Was able to walk away and make a phone call while the bike was running. Fuel was shut off to carbs 3 and 4.
      1980 XS1100 SG
      Inline fuel filters
      New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
      160 mph speedometer mod
      Kerker Exhaust
      xschop K & N air filter setup
      Dynojet Recalibration kit
      1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
      1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by oldyam80sg View Post
        Thanks for the reply Tony! I bought new float needles a while ago. Going to take the carbs off and replace it. I was amazed how well the bike sounded after going through the carbs-no carb popping at all. Was able to walk away and make a phone call while the bike was running. Fuel was shut off to carbs 3 and 4.
        its all part of the joy with carbs, its why we love em

        Comment


        • #5
          Tony-could it be the washer in the float seat? T I dont know why it would be a steady stream of fuel.
          1980 XS1100 SG
          Inline fuel filters
          New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
          160 mph speedometer mod
          Kerker Exhaust
          xschop K & N air filter setup
          Dynojet Recalibration kit
          1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
          1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

          Comment


          • #6
            The '80 and later carbs have an o-ring on the float needle seat and screw and bracket to hold them in. They are sometimes hard to remove on account of corrosion. Once removed the bores can be polished so the new o-ring seals well. Also polish the needle seats.
            1980 XS1100G "Dolly G" Full Dresser (with a coat of many colors )
            1979 XS1100SF (stock-euro mods planned)
            1984 XV700L Virago (to be hot-modded)
            1983 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim (semi-restored DD)
            1977 XS650D ( patiently awaiting resto)

            Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you can think straight.

            Comment


            • #7
              What do I polish it with Schming? I have replacement O rings as well if I need to replace it.
              1980 XS1100 SG
              Inline fuel filters
              New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
              160 mph speedometer mod
              Kerker Exhaust
              xschop K & N air filter setup
              Dynojet Recalibration kit
              1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
              1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by oldyam80sg View Post
                What do I polish it with Schming? I have replacement O rings as well if I need to replace it.
                I take a small brass brush that I have purchased from Harbor Freight. They sell a nice little kit with a variety of different brushes in it. There are steel, brass and plastic brushes in various sizes. Engine Brush Kit, 20 Piece (harborfreight.com). I only use the plastic and brass brushes on the carbs. That a some carb cleaner does the job.
                2 - 80 LGs bought one new
                81 LH
                02 FXSTB Nighttrain
                22 FLTRK Road Glide Limited
                Jim

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by oldyam80sg View Post
                  What do I polish it with Schming? I have replacement O rings as well if I need to replace it.
                  I cut a Q-tip in half stick it in my dremel tool and use a bit of Simichrome polishing compound and clean after with Berrymans B-12 carb cleaner and a fresh Q-tip til you can see yourself looking back at you
                  1980 XS1100G "Dolly G" Full Dresser (with a coat of many colors )
                  1979 XS1100SF (stock-euro mods planned)
                  1984 XV700L Virago (to be hot-modded)
                  1983 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim (semi-restored DD)
                  1977 XS650D ( patiently awaiting resto)

                  Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you can think straight.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    So I took off the carbs today and took it so where I can work on them-Moms garage.I removed float bowl # 3 and took out the float needle. It didn't look too bad but replaced it with a new one. The float seat was VERY dirty. It took 3 q tips and was almost black upon initial cleaning. I doint know how I skipped this in my winter cleaning. I put everything back together and after dinner, put the carbs back on the bike. Will start it up tomorrow-weather permitting.
                    Last edited by oldyam80sg; 05-07-2023, 06:13 PM.
                    1980 XS1100 SG
                    Inline fuel filters
                    New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
                    160 mph speedometer mod
                    Kerker Exhaust
                    xschop K & N air filter setup
                    Dynojet Recalibration kit
                    1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
                    1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Most have been the dirty float seat. Started the bike today and no leaks. Ran for a while before I shut off the bike.
                      1980 XS1100 SG
                      Inline fuel filters
                      New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
                      160 mph speedometer mod
                      Kerker Exhaust
                      xschop K & N air filter setup
                      Dynojet Recalibration kit
                      1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
                      1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I always use Mothers Mag Polish and wooden swabs that are used in electronics. Like you said, they come out black and will take a few to polish out to clean shiny brass. That makes the best seal.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I start the bike daily-no issues. I will ride it to my Moms house this weekend. I can't believe how good this runs.
                          1980 XS1100 SG
                          Inline fuel filters
                          New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
                          160 mph speedometer mod
                          Kerker Exhaust
                          xschop K & N air filter setup
                          Dynojet Recalibration kit
                          1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
                          1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

                          Comment

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