stuck float Q?

[Don R]

I recently had my carbs cleaned, replaced a rusty gas tank and the filter/fuel lines. After getting it al back together it seems to have a stuck float on #1. Has anyone ever had any luck getting one unstuck without removing the carbs? I considered pulling the drain plug and using a piece of blunt wire or something to try pop it loose. I'm really weary from R&R'ing these carbs. First I'll do the proverbial screwdriver handle thump.

[flyin900]

Drain the gas out of each one into a rag to make it easy to get it out of each bowl with the carbs still attached to the motor and leave the drain screws out on each bowl. Disconnect the inlet gas hose from the output of the gas filter and use your compressor (you have one right) and reduce the pressure regulator down to about 40 PSI. Using a blow gun style of air tool blow a few shots of compressed air into the inlet hose on the carb setup.
This should dislodge the stuck float and also clean any debris that is possibly on the seat and valve assembly. I have used this method on a number of mostly CB series bikes with great success when one float is sticking in the bowl.
If there is another reason such as the float binding on the pin or catching on the float bowl gasket then you will have to pull them again. Always a good thing the do a carb gas fill and leak check after you have cleaned/rebuilt them before reinstalling the rack back on a bike.

[ritalz]

I've used that method a few times also and with some success.

[Don R]

Thanks, I own a good compressor, an IV fuel bottle and even a metal catch pan on the workbench. I didn't use it before re-installing them, that's a mistake I won't make again. I'll try it and report back.
What I did do that was interesting was hook a shop vac to the intakes one at a time and open the throttles to feel the slides open and close. They aren't stuck.

[flyin900]

Yes Don I have been there too on the installation of a rack without checking them first for issues. Only takes once with a complicated set of carbs that are a pain to get on and off again. You don't make that mistake twice.

[desertrefugee]

Tell me about it. Believe it or not, removal of the carburetors on a four-cylinder GL is a walk in the park compared to that same operation on a CBX.

[Don R]

The complexities of a cbx carb rack must be impressive.

[Don R]

I wasn't able to solve the float problem on the bike so I called my local (30 miles) mom and pop shop. They had needles and seats in stock and some open time. I took the carbs, there was rust in the plenum passages and jets. I apparently screwed up with the fuel filters somehow. Anyway, it now has a clean tank, new stock filter, new flushed hoses, New float valves. I took the fuel pump apart and checked inside for rust. It was clean. We did an IV bottle test before I left the shop, it looked good. At home I re-tested for a longer time and am seeing fuel in the plenum seam. I'll order a new Randaak plenum seal and probably a few other things too. Thanks, I hope to enjoy this bike soon. Too bad it's not done, It's going to be 50* tomorrow.

[pidjones]

My advice for the IV test is to use 91% isopropyl alcohol. Less stink, less hazard (although still flamable), and any left over will mix and burn.

[Don R]

It is stinky for sure. I'm going to consult the manual for splitting the plenum and have it ready to reassemble when the parts get here. The petcock seals are questionable so I ordered some of those too. My brothers 76 has stacked o rings under the petcock so I got enough for his too.

[Whiskerfish]

I missed this thread earlier. Need to use caution when hitting the carb fuel inlet passage with any compressed air. The seals are only designed for very low pressures and anything above that can easily compromise them. Learned this one the hard way I don't think I would risk anything above 10 or maybe 15 psi.

[Don R]

Thanks, it went well. The plenum seal was leaking but it had a large amount of crud on both sides of the rubber O rings. It needed taking apart anyway. I honestly believe I have it cured with the clean tank. It was passing sediment that wasn't red so I thought the fuel filters were clean. They were not. (2 inline)
I ordered new plenum, petcock and carb to plenum seals from Randakks. I like the improved rubber formula's resistance to alcohol.

[Don R]

Update, it's all together, running and sounds good. It had a torn fuel filter from me zip tying a magnet to it and totally crapped up the carbs right after cleaning them. When started, it still made a tiny shhht noise or two when it was running cold. I'll adjust the idle screws and see. I got a new Honda filter, new lines, cleaned the pump, put a magnet on the gas tank just in case. With some luck I can ride it all over this country this summer.