Gas overflow leaking gas big time

[casa73rider]

My gs 550E 79 gas overflow leaks big time. I was told it could be a stuck needle and one of the spark plugs is always black.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Nessism]

Rebuild the carbs. Tutorial on the GSR home page in the Garage section (VM carb rebuild). Get an O-ring kit from cycleorings.com

Free service manual download here...http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature to learn what to look out for.

Good luck

[bomber737]

Friend of mine has consistently leaky carb on his GS1000 and he found that one of the floats had come unglued from the center metal part. It kept getting stuck when it moved, it touched the side of the float bowl. He put in a different float and no more problems

[earlfor]

My gs 550E 79 gas overflow leaks big time. I was told it could be a stuck needle and one of the spark plugs is always black.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

The float bowl needle valve/fuel inlet valve is faulty. Also, if it leaks even when the bike is shut off, the petcock is leaking too.

[casa73rider]

Thanks to all. It leaks only when it is running but not rolling
Doesn't leak when on the road or shut off.
I will try the carb rebuild procedure.