And away we go . . . . LTD style

[polkadot]

Thanks OW. Didn't think of that. Two sets of holes at different places. The lower set was so plugged that I almost missed them.

[Fred Camper]

If not for those holes, you would have to fully remove the drain screws to quickly drain the carbs. I just loosen the screws a couple turns each winter and fully drain the carbs without having to loose the screws.

[dbtroudy]

Their purpose is to allow you to drain the bowl of fuel for storage. Trust me, open one up some time and the hole will quickly allow the gas to flow out.

Don

[Marc]

You move fast - great restoration work!

[dbtroudy]

Did you soak the parts in straight solution of Simple Green or did you make a dilution? That carb bowl looks great!

Don

[polkadot]

Large parts (carb bowls, slide, top, float) were in about a 50/50 solution. Small parts were in 100% solution. I have never drained the carb bowls. Do you northern guys do that during the 4 month off season? I just used sta-bil.

[Rat]

I don't drain them for short lay ups, 2 or 3 months, just stabil.

Gord (hate winter) Jones

[Oldewing]

I don't drain them for short lay ups, 2 or 3 months, just stabil.

Gord (hate winter) Jones

Me too, sometimes I do take the key out

[Marc]

StaBil and leave the tank and carbs full - never had a problem with varnish or rust. Now if I would put the battery on a battery tender I would always be ready to ride when the weather turned. For my main two rides, the Triumph and '78 GL1000 I put a smaller amount of StaBil in and just ride them through the winter - gets pretty cold though.

[Fred Camper]

For the first time this year I drained the carbs and tank due to warnings of ethanol damage. Not sure how much damage ethanol will do to a 35 yr old fuel system. Draining and fogging the tank was not bad, I also drained the carbs for the same concern. Opinions welcome.

[Marc]

No real problems with ethanol on my bikes but I have had ethanol eat away a fuel line on an old leaf blower. I think it will damage old rubber. (Except for poor mileage, less power and limited storage life it has not given me a problem. I take that back, my Norton hates the stuff. It runs way better on leaded premium.) I store all my bikes with StaBil in a full tank of ethanol and carbs full. As you can see below they are not new bikes.

[polkadot]

I decided to get some work done on the carbs. I got the parts all cleaned up. First with simple green then twice with brake cleaner and air.



Then came the gaskets and alignment pins.



Then tested for leaks.




The rebuilt the air cutoff and tested.




Can't go much further until I get some carb parts. I have a bunch of little stuff to order. I'll get that done in the next few days and continue this in 2012.

[Fred Camper]

the linkage sure looks sweet. How are the seals for the butterfly shafts?

[polkadot]

Fred, I didn't take them that far apart. I'm not sure what I would be looking for anyway. The carbs are overall in very good condition. I think/hope I'm good to go. They were in much better condition than the last carbs I rebuilt.

[Rat]

I don't drain them for short lay ups, 2 or 3 months, just stabil.

Gord (hate winter) Jones

Me too, sometimes I do take the key out

The key comes out ?

Gord