Newby Working On Carb Float Valve

[Anonymous]

On my '78 GS550, I've noticed (How could I not!) fuel dripping from my rear tire actually from the carb overflow tube for number one carb (and only number one) .

My thoughts are that its a float valve leaking or otherwise stuck open.

This bike did sit idle for quite a while.

What are the odds that 1) The fuel bowl can be pulled and the float and valve removed cleaned and the leak would stop and 2) This be done without needing a new gasket?

This repair does meet the KISS criteria (Keep It Simple STUPID!)

Thanks for y'alls help

Pete in Post Falls

[earlfor]

When I rebuilt my carbs, two of the float bowls came off clean and easy and two didnt. I guess that mean the odds are about 50/50.
When you loosen the four retaining bolts on the bowl, if the bowl comes off with very gently nudging with your fingers, I would say the gasket is ok. If it doesnt and you have to tap it with a rubber mallet and twist it with your hands to break it free, its probable
the gasket will not be reusable. Basically though, its a crap game. :-)

Earl

[Jay B]

Lucky

I guess I was lucky. I pulled the float bowls from both my 850 GL and from a 750 ES and the gaskets all came off with no problems. Seal back up as well. I've had them apart several times with no problems. Slow and easy is the key for the first time.

[chuckycheese]

Gasket

Like Earl says, tap it gently with a rubber mallet and don't be in too much of a hurry. If you're just going to take off the float bowl, I wouldn't even attempt to take off the gasket; I see no reason to do so. If you do, peel it off slowly and carefully and it will probably be just fine. I've NEVER changed the float bowl gaskets on any of the carbs I've worked on and I've never had a single one leak. Good luck.

[JJ]

Float bowl gaskets

Here's a trick I learned when tinkering with/rebuilding Holley carburetors on cars... When installing new float bowl gaskets, or even an old gasket that didn't tear when taken off, rub Chap-Stick (yes, the lip-balm stuff) on one, or both sides, of the gasket. It will always come apart cleanly after that without the gasket sticking, and will still seal. I haven't tried it elsewhere, but it may work with other gaskets as well, such as side covers, etc...

[Anonymous]

It worked!

Thanks for all the help gang. I popped the bowl on number 1 carb and there was "Junk" (I do believe that's the technical term) in the float valve.

I did have some seepage around the gasket when leaning the bike but i just tightened the screws a little more and it works fine.

Thanks again for all your help!

Pete in Post Falls

[argonsagas]

Re: Float bowl gaskets

Here's a trick I learned when tinkering with/rebuilding Holley carburetors on cars... When installing new float bowl gaskets, or even an old gasket that didn't tear when taken off, rub Chap-Stick (yes, the lip-balm stuff) on one, or both sides, of the gasket. It will always come apart cleanly after that without the gasket sticking, and will still seal. I haven't tried it elsewhere, but it may work with other gaskets as well, such as side covers, etc...

JJ Apart from the fact that it's a good idea, that has to be the most fitting advice possible .....lip balm for someone who asked for a KISS!

[earlfor]

Re: Float bowl gaskets

Well Ron, only someone that would chase a train would come up with something like that. :-) Good on ya. Three tips of my helmet to ye. :-)

Earl

[quote="argonsagas"

JJ Apart from the fact that it's a good idea, that has to be the most fitting advice possible .....lip balm for someone who asked for a KISS! [/quote]

[Anonymous]

Right Decisions!

I can tell already that not only did I pick the right bike, I picked the right Forum.

Pete in Post Falls