Dude, where's my gas?

[rphillips]

Thanks chuck, my "05" B-12 filled the crankcase with gas 3 or 4 winters ago. I fixed the petcock but just been paranoid about a float needle problem. I know the floats regulate while running, just figured they shut off fuel anytime it tried to overfill the bowls. Thanks for giving me something to rest easier about.

[nutz4spd]

[QUOTE=chuck hahn;2596004]Look for free movement of the needles when you move floats u and down. Are the spring loaded deals springing. Take out the seat retainers and VERY GENTLY see if the seats feel good and snug.

When you say spring loaded deals...what are you referring to? The only springs in there are for the air screws. The needles sit directly on the tang of the floats.

[chuck hahn]

Theres a little spike sticking up on the float needles...its spring loaded and should rebound when pushed in. When the bowls full and the float rises it applies a little pressure to the needle. Ive heard it said it is like a shock absorber when the bike hits bumps etc.

[nutz4spd]

Ah, ok. Gotcha. I got everything back together this evening. Changed the oil and found the last time it had been changed was in 1986!! The filter had the date etched into when it was changed. After playing with it some I got it running decently. At one point when I got it started gas was pouring out of the vent tube inbetween carbs 3 and 4. I tapped on the bottom of both and tried again. No gas poured out this time. I took it for a little ride and it seemed ok. It still doesn't want to idle very well when it's warmed up. It wants to stall out. I'm going to try again tomorrow and see how it does. It does smoke some now though. It never used to do that. I'm guessing having the gas mixed in the oil has something to do with that. I'm hoping that goes away eventually. I am happy there are no leaks now though. Just wish I can get it running a little better. Seems to be a struggle of sorts...