Basic Carb Question

[Beaker]

I have started the carburetor clean process on my 1980 850 - on stripping down the first one I noticed that the float needle was quite hard to pull free from the seat. It was also covered in black residue.

My question - should the float needle slide freely up and down in its seat? I would have thought definitely after looking at how the float assembly is supposed to work, but I just cannot believe how tight it was in there, and so would like some clarification.

[hampshirehog]

That needle should fall out. Sometimes they'll stick in with surface tension if there's a spot of fuel in there but you definitely shouldn't need to tug at it. Black gunge suggests that it needs a real good clean right through.

[psyguy]

you're right, the needle needs to move freely

[Beaker]

Thanks guys, just as I thought - the carb does have a build up of black gunk in a couple of places, hence the cleaning.

[Steve]

I know you don't have Berryman's dip available, but an overnight dip in whatever you do have available (Lucas?) should remove all that crud and have all your parts shiny and clean.

.

[80sGSfan]

I know I'm off subject here, but that's a SWEET 1400 you've got there - it's just no fair we can't get 'em here!

[Beaker]

I know I'm off subject here, but that's a SWEET 1400 you've got there - it's just no fair we can't get 'em here!

Yeah, I like it...got a few goodies on her including a PCIII - 118 gee-gees at the rear wheel and the torque on it is incredible - this is what she looks like now...



It is a pity that it was never marketed in North America - supposedly due to the cost of testing and certification?!?! It was supposed to be a Japan only bike until the Europeans got a wiff of it. Production of it has now ceased with the B-King taking its place - ha, no way! We here in Australia have the Special Edition (the last new release) available which I reckon looks fantastic in a retro style paint. Not bad for AU$12,990 (< US$8,300)!!

[80sGSfan]

wha??!

really?! That thing is awesome & only $8300?! you shouldn't have shown us that - it's just NOT FAIR! WAAAHHHH!
I like your new seat by the way

We here in Australia have the Special Edition (the last new release) available which I reckon looks fantastic in a retro style paint. Not bad for AU$12,990 (< US$8,300)!!