Measuring Fuel Level in Carbs

[Guest]

Hey guys, looking for some words of wisdom. Have purchased a float/fuel level gauge from Z1 enterprises to check my GS1000E slide carb fuel levels. It has an adaptor which screws into the drain plug hole. In the manual it says to do the test with the engine running, if this is the case it would be extremely awkward to connect and see the levels on carbs 2 and 3 and obviously each time the bowl would be drained of petrol to connect up the gauge. Is this the right way to do it or have I got it wrong.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, it's a hassle but that's the way to do it to get the most accuracy. You can also use the fuel level gauge with the carbs off the bike. Fill the bowls and get a static measurement, not quite as accurate as on the bike and running. I just set the float height as accurately as possible with the carbs off the bike and let it go.










Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

I measured with the carbs off the bike too. Can't imagine it will make any difference other than the vibration of the engine running could make the needle leak I suppose.

[Steve]

I measured with the carbs off the bike too. Can't imagine it will make any difference other than the vibration of the engine running could make the needle leak I suppose.

On the other hand, the vibration of the engine could seat a sticky needle, too.

.

[gs79]

Many thanks for the replies, I guess it would make it a whole lot easier with 3 more adaptors to screw into the drain holes. Are there any places to buy these rather then buying three more kits

[Steve]

All you need is a stash of spare carbs, from which you can take the drain screws.
Then you drill a hole down the middle, press-fit a brass tube, then put your tubing on the brass tube.

.

[OldVet66]

I checked mine with the main tank off using an auxiliary tank. It wasn't too hard using only one of the Z1 sight tubes. I let each one fill and sit for a while to insure the needles were shutting the fuel supply off and then checked with it running. All four came out with the fuel level at the bottom of the bowl flange with the sight tube on the side of the carb where the manual indicated. I had leveled the bike side to side on the center stand. Unfortunately I just have a gravel driveway, but since all measurements came out the same, I think it's fairly accurate.