sad carb overflow

[Guest]

So I was hoping to get my 79gs1000 out for a ride to a camping trip this weekend.

first real ride after a 10 year sleep for the bike.

I had the tank off and replaced the fuel line. The bike seemed to start up and run ok, but after cutting the engine fuel poured out of one of the carb overflow tubes.

I'm pretty swamped so not a lot of time right now to problem solve. So really this is a hail mary pass. I've tapped them lightly, I've checked to make sure it's not on prime.

I installed the line without a fuel filter which makes me worry that I instantly sent crude into the carbs... Petcock filter is in good shape though.

Sigh. If I don't get a magical answer, I'll see you all in a couple of weeks because I'm out of town and I'll have to get back at it then.

Thanks all.

[Agemax]

which carb is it leaking from?

[RobertGS]

ok showing my ignorance ... while sitting on the bike, second from the left.

Is that number 2?

[bigskybldr]

I feel your pain. I'm bikeless till I figure how to cure my carb over flow problems too.
All I know is it takes a clean tank, a good petcock and perfect float needle valve and seat.

[Agemax]

#2 carb is usually a sure sign of a bad petcock. fuel leaking down the vacuum pipe.
pull the vacuum pipe off the petcock and see if it is dribbling fuel.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I found this on some guy's website.

Overflowing Carbs


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[RobertGS]

Thanks Agemax. The vacuum tube seems dry.

And Basscliff, I really feel in the mix now that I have a post from you, thanks.

I think I'm just going to have to put her to bed for a couple of weeks until I get back, then look over your posts and see what I can do.

More later.
Thanks again.

[bearrocco]

Hi, I pulled vacuum line 3 times , it seemed dry. Hooked vacuum line to my vacuum pump , pumped to 10 pounds it sucked fuel bad into the line. double check.

[Big T]

#2 carb is usually a sure sign of a bad petcock. fuel leaking down the vacuum pipe.
pull the vacuum pipe off the petcock and see if it is dribbling fuel.

That's #3 carb on VM carbed bikes

You have looked at yours, lately?

Bad petcock, none the less

To the OP, you're being a bit optimistic for a bike that's been down for 10 years. For one thing, you need new tires

[RobertGS]

Thanks BigT..the petcock is my first plan of action. I may just order one while I'm away.

The bike's got new tires and tubes. And though I didn't do it, it has new rings, valve job and rebuilt carbs. I cleaned the tank out though, and put her back together once I got the engine back.

[RobertGS]

I can't resist.. Man I should be working.

When I had the tank off and propped up on two by fours to keep the petcock clear of the ground, it still leaked with the selector on ON.

Is that another sign that the petcock is toast or is that normal.

[Agemax]

That's #3 carb on VM carbed bikes

You have looked at yours, lately?

Bad petcock, none the less

To the OP, you're being a bit optimistic for a bike that's been down for 10 years. For one thing, you need new tires

he doesn't say whether he has VM's or BS carbs!!!!!!
and yes i look at my VM's every day, i love my carbs........

and yes, if fuel still flows with the petcock on "ON" then it does point towards a faulty petcock.

[Crage]

I can't resist.. Man I should be working.

When I had the tank off and propped up on two by fours to keep the petcock clear of the ground, it still leaked with the selector on ON.

Is that another sign that the petcock is toast or is that normal.

Yeap it's bad.

[RobertGS]

Update

So I'd like to thank everyone for weighing in on my carb overflow blues. I had to leave the problem while away on a trip, but that's ok because I ordered a new petcock from Susuki and it just arrived today.

I ordered new after reading a bunch of advice on this site and after realizing I don't want to miss anymore riding days due to problems trying to rebuild what appears to be a tricky part.

Just installed it. Guess what. No carb overflow, seems to be running great.

So you were all bang on with your advice. Helped me out thanks.