Carbs leak when choke pulled - sometimes.

[Guest]

I have an occasional issue with the choke on my 550E. Sometimes, when I pull the choke for cold start, the carbs seem to flood and the #2 carb leaks from the float bowl gasket. What adjustments/repairs should I make to solve this?

Thanks.

[tom203]

I have an occasional issue with the choke on my 550E. Sometimes, when I pull the choke for cold start, the carbs seem to flood and the #2 carb leaks from the float bowl gasket. What adjustments/repairs should I make to solve this?

Thanks.

Since, #2 carb is mentioned, I'd be suspicious of petcock- is yours lever operated or screwdriver? Pulling the "choke" allows for more fuel to travel up passages.

[1948man]

Any chance your float bowls are set so that you are allowing a higher than normal level in the bowls so that adding choke to the equation causes them to overflow?

[FiremanBob]

Thanks for the ideas so far. I didn't take the carbs apart when I replaced the o-rings, so I'll add that to the winter maintenance list. The petcock is lever operated with a screw for the Prime position. That screw is tightened down fully. It only happens when I pull the choke out all the way.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

For reference: Overflowing Carbs.

As has been mentioned, the petcock is suspect and the carbs may need to be properly rebuilt using a new O-ring kit. Install new float bowl gaskets and check the float heights. Worn float valve needles and seats can cause leaks (as explained in the first link).

I'm not sure what kind of petcock you're talking about.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff