Topic: Another carb question

[amacemon]

I have taken the carbs apart and cleaned them 3 times now.  The float on my #3 carb keeps sticking. What specifically should I look for to clean or polish to keep it from sticking? When it sticks, where does it most likely hang up?

I think it is sticking because I will get flow out of my overflow tube sometimes when on the side stand.  I can tap it with the back of a screw driver and it will temporarily fix it. 

[Markcb750]

My 750 occasionally leaks after a run when it is on the sidestand, kind of a fact of life with the carburetors. 

If you are sure the needle valves are functional, and the floats are at the correct height to prevent fuel starvation at high RPM there is not much you can do except diligently turn off the petcock every time you park the bike. 

[flybox1]

even on the side stand, your floats should not leak
checklist....
Fuel tank debris - if there is any sediment passing into your carbs, your problem will not go away.  Look for a torn fuel tap sock.  You need to have fuel filtration. An in tank or in-line filter in good working condition.  Check and fix this first.
Float valve -  if your carbs have metal float valves, and they are the original ones they may be worn to the point they dont seat completely.  Check the valve needle tip for a ring.  Gently lap them in.  If you have the rubber tipped ones, invest in a new set.
Float tang dimple - if the tang of your floats is worn and dimpled from continuous contact with the float needle, you need to sand out and smooth this contact area.  it will keep the float from hanging up.
Float pin - this is what the float rides on.  remove it, smooth it over with some steel wool.  clean and replace.
Float height - verify you are measuring correctly, and the value is correct for your carbs.
If you've checked all the above, you should be good.

[amacemon]

thanks for the reply, flybox.
I just finished derusting the fuel tank.  I temporarily fixed the sock to keep any extra junk from getting into the carbs.  I just ordered a new petcock that includes the new sock.  It should be here in a few days. 

My next step was to order a new float valve, but didnt want to waste 20 bucks if I didnt need to.  They are the metal kind.  Maybe I will try the drill and toothpaste method to lap them in first and see if that fixes it. 

I will check the tang dimple. That is something that I didnt think about.

The float pin seems to be in good shape, but I will do as you suggest with the steel wool.

I just checked and adjusted all the float heights.  They should be good to go now. 

thanks again!

[lucky]

I have taken the carbs apart and cleaned them 3 times now.  The float on my #3 carb keeps sticking. What specifically should I look for to clean or polish to keep it from sticking? When it sticks, where does it most likely hang up?

I think it is sticking because I will get flow out of my overflow tube sometimes when on the side stand.  I can tap it with the back of a screw driver and it will temporarily fix it.

Buy a new float needle and seat. Problems over.
Make sure the overflow tube in the float bowl is not cracked first.