GS450T Carbs have started to leak - help

[Guest]

So I've been driving around the bike no worries, there was a small leak from the carbs that had been spotted previously but not major. And then after riding it to work and back one night and then leaving it in the garage overnight is starting leaking quite a lot in the morning - like a constant flow that was filling up a bucket. I turned the tap from on to the left which was usually the reserve position but it seemed to stop the leak.

Having a look around online it seems it might be dirt blocking the float needle? The breather tube on one of the carbs had also fallen off I noticed when inspecting the leak, but that shouldnt affect anything I dont think? Interested to know whether there was an easy way to diagnose or try fix, otherwise it seems a big job to try take off carbs etc.

Have attached a video of the leak in action (pre turning the tap).

https://vid.me/8sbv

[tkent02]

Replace the petcock. No matter what's going on in the carbs, fuel won't flow with the engine shut off if the petcock is working correctly.
Check your oil before starting the engine, it probably has a gallon or two of gasoline in it.
Clean the carburetors correctly, adjust them, replace the O rings, it's all easy stuff and it needs to be done once every thirty years or so.

Everything you need to maintain the whole bike is here:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[hmoorenz]

Replace the petcock. No matter what's going on in the carbs, fuel won't flow with the engine shut off if the petcock is working correctly.
Check your oil before starting the engine, it probably has a gallon or two of gasoline in it.
Clean the carburetors correctly, adjust them, replace the O rings, it's all easy stuff and it needs to be done once every thirty years or so.

Everything you need to maintain the whole bike is here:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

So grab a petcock like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS450...-/131506281843 and that should solve my main fuel leak problem?

[hannibal]

Yep. Apparently rebuilding your stock petcock has a low success rate so a new one is recommended. I got one from Z1. Not sure if this fits your GS450. Come to think of it, I haven't checked if it fits my bike.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemDescription=Petcock+%28vacuum%29+Suzuki&item=KL18-4359