Carb problem 1983 GS550

[Pjax]

At times, more so lately, the left side carb is leaking gas from the float bowl. My guess is the float is hanging up due to some dirt or a bad float needle. I'm going to try a can of seafoam in it first. If that doesn't correct the problem how big of a job is pulling off the float bowl? And if I do what should I look for?

[liv2wrshp]

I have the same question. ANyone?

[chef1366]

There are 4 phillip head screws holding your float bowl on to your carbs. If you have a short handled screw driver or ratchet style it is a really easy job as long as you can get the screws out. Remember they may have been in there for 20+ years. If you get them out replace the screws with allen style bolts.

[NY_Suzuki_GS550ES]

Pjax, I think you have the 2 Carb set up not the 4 carb correct? If you have gas leaking out of your float bowl then most-likly your needle and seat are bad, but there is always a possibility that it just getting stuck. If you are getting a leak from the float bowl then your gaskets bad and you should get a new one. I made mine out of sheet gasket material I bought at advance auto parts. If you do need a needle valve and seat (double check) but i think the GSX1100 88'+ years use the same seat and needle. It will be cheaper than getting OEM(if you find an aftermarket company).

As for taking Off the float bowl, you could do it with the carbs attached... you'll need short phillips head screwdriver. but you run the risk of stipping out the head on the bolts due to the bad angle and lack of leverage. I would suggest pulling the carbs off... I haven't found a simple way to pull the carbs off. what i do is pull the battery box out (disconnect the cdi, blinker relay, fuse box) and take the two bolts out of the airbox and slide it back to where the battery box origionally was. Disconnect the choke cables and throttle cable and wiggle the carbs out, i think the carbs only come out on the right hand side cause the clutch cables in the way on the left. now you have full access to your carbs...

liv2wrshp- i think you have the 4 carb setup so im not sure exactly on how to remove the carbs or access the float bowls while their on the bike.

[liv2wrshp]

Yea, mine is just leaking from the first vent tube on the left side. It did it before then stopped and now it's doing it again.

[RobRowald]

I have teh same issue but in the right side. Maybe i can take it apart and clean it... Thanks for the inspiration...

[liv2wrshp]

WOuld you be willing to work on ours together since we live in the same area? I could use the help.

[SqDancerLynn1]

That's a good indication the O ring on the needle seat is leaking