Adjust Carbs or Not?

[OldVet66]

The carbs have been completely gone through but my bike runs rich

Did that include a total tear down, 24 hour soak in carburetor dip and new O-Rings? Your comment about never messing with the floats tells me you haven't. A properly rebuilt stock system should not run rich.

[Nessism]

If the weight of the float causes the float needle spring to compress, there has been deterioration of the spring and the fuel level will likely be high. It's always best to measure fuel level, not just float height. The process is a bit messy, but not difficult.

[thkbaron]

yeah the guy I bought it from did completely tear down the carbs resync and change all orings. good buddy of mine. but he may have forgotten to check the float level. The bike was sitting for years before he got it so there's no way it would run as good as it does having not done that. If I was smart I'd buy a new bike and take this one bit by bit as it's my daily driver right now.

[OldVet66]

I asked because most people don't soak these carburetors in carburetor dip, thinking carb cleaner will do the job. In the beginning I thought the same until I learned better. I have seen mechanics do the same. A good friend did the same until I stripped them down again and he watched the crud boiling out of the carb bodies soon after they were in the dip.

[cowboyup3371]

Whether your buddy did it or not you'll be better served to do it yourself. This way you KNOW what condition YOUR bike is in