Topic: 550 carb and hose and airfilter questions from a novice

[Akmahala]

I am brand new to working on motorcycles. Got a 74 550 last fall. Before a few weeks ago, I didn't know what a carburetor was really for. I don't have the manual, I have been referencing the pdf version as best as I can. On the carbs, there are 6 attachments for hoses. 2 fuel, 4 overflow, and 2 ? air hoses?

My hoses were all cut when I got the bike. the air filter housing is there, but not the other airbox that sits behind battery.  I don't want to run pods, but was wondering, on those who do, where would all the overflow tubes go? where would the thick hose off the crankcase go. and where do the 2 mysterious hoses go?

After cleaning the carbs and putting them back, one of the floatbowls is leaking out the overflow after I put gas in the tank. Does that mean the needle is stuck? Never heard the bike run.. hopefully that will change soon.

Would it be dangerous for me to start the bike while the overflow is leaking? would it start?  I want to figure out if it is worth going after all this before I spend too much time and money.

[flybox1]

I am brand new to working on motorcycles. Got a 74 550 last fall. Before a few weeks ago, I didn't know what a carburetor was really for. I don't have the manual, I have been referencing the pdf version as best as I can. On the carbs, there are 6 attachments for hoses. 2 fuel, 4 overflow, and 2 ? air hoses?

My hoses were all cut when I got the bike. the air filter housing is there, but not the other airbox that sits behind battery.  I don't want to run pods, but was wondering, on those who do, where would all the overflow tubes go?to the ground so excess fuel drains harmlessly away where would the thick hose off the crankcase go? to the airbox re-breather. and where do the 2 mysterious hoses go? probably referring to the vent hoses.  they basically allow air into the carbs to help maintain bowl fuel level.

After cleaning the carbs and putting them back, one of the floatbowls is leaking out the overflow after I put gas in the tank. Does that mean the needle is stuck? yes, you probably have a stuck float.  bang on the bank of carbs with the heel of your hand, or gently with a rubber mallet.  this usually frees it  Never heard the bike run.. hopefully that will change soon.

Would it be dangerous for me to start the bike while the overflow is leaking? would it start?  I want to figure out if it is worth going after all this before I spend too much time and money.  get the bowl to stop leaking first

[SohRon]

This thread may be of some help. Page five covers carbs and airbox.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0

Fuel leaking from the overflow could mean a sticking float valve needle (as mentioned) or incorrect float height. Try tapping the bowl to see if it stops. If it doesn't, you're most likely looking at a carb rebuild, at the least.