For the Carb Experts

[bonanzadave]

Can I get a float out with the carbs still on the bike ? I think I got a leeky needle valve. After the bike sits over night Ive seen gas drips from an exhaust pipe clamp and an intake boot. I removed the bowl, raised the float, turned the petcock to prime and It drips a drop every 10 seconds.
What do you think ? Dave.

[chuckycheese]

Yep

You can do it with a lot of patience, persistance, an assistant and the help of a hand mirror. It's hard but I did it on a HD one time. If it's number 1 or 4, it will be difficult. If it's 2 or 3, it will be very difficult and you might end up giving up.

[wiredgeorge]

Depends on which way the float pins were installed. The pins on the BS series only go in one way. If they were installed with the flat ends facing towards the outside carbs, it would be difficult to push the pins out with the carbs on the bike. When you do get the floats off and the the float needles removed, remove the seat and ensure it has a mesh screen attached to it. If the screen isn't present, grit gets in easily and will keep the needle from seating. You can install new float needles and polish the seats with Brasso and a q-tip. All this would be far easier with the carbs off the bike.

[chef1366]

wiredgeorge, checked out your website and it looks like you are the pro. I've turned a few carbs on ebay after rebuilding them but nothing like that! Dave, George is right, pull the carbs and get some experience because getting the float pin out is hard enough with the carbs off.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Make the job easier, remove the carbs & replace ALL 4 float seat O rings

[bwringer]

Much, much easier to remove the carbs first and work on them standing upright, rather than contorting around with strange tools and mirrors.

What's so hard or scary about removing the carbs, anyway? A question like this (can I do X without removing the carbs) seems to pop up regularly, and I simply don't understand why.

On a v-twin or v-four, removing the carbs is often a nightmare to be avoided at all costs, but on an GS, it's a piece of cake, even with the airbox.

[bonanzadave]

Thanks Guys,
Ive been doing enough wrenching this summer so maybe this winter Ill take em off. Yes, Its an outside carb and yes, the pin is installed from the inside. For now Ive rattled the float enough to stop the drip so Im back on the road. Thanks, Dave.

[West]

You can install new float needles and polish the seats with Brasso and a q-tip.

Glad to hear I did the right thing instinctually. Brasso & a bit of rag on the end of a plastic rod. No leaks.