Topic: Cracked overflow tube in float bowl. Fixable?

[Rufus2010]

I have a 1974 CB550. In one of the float bowls the brass overflow tube is cracked. Can I fix this with JB Weld or some kind of gas resistant sealant, or replace the tube somehow?

[dave500]

I don't know with your ethanol fuels but ive simply used electrical shrink tube over them before,id solder up any next time I see them though.

[Bankerdanny]

I used JB weld on mine, but didn't keep the bike long enough to judge the long-term strength of the repair. But dueing the 3 months and about 4,000 miles of riding I had no leaks post repair.

If I were fixing it today I think I would solder the crack.

[Rufus2010]

I never thought of soldering. I have a good soldering iron and solder. That should do it.

[lucky]

I have a 1974 CB550. In one of the float bowls the brass overflow tube is cracked. Can I fix this with JB Weld or some kind of gas resistant sealant, or replace the tube somehow?

Just clean the tube with sandpaper to shiny metal and solder the crack.
Do not fill the tube with solder! LOl..lol

[Chachi]

Like Dave, I had one fixed with some type of shrink tubing before. The carb overflow tube leak baffled the hell out of me and my mechanic until we found the hairline crack in the post. He found it with a magnifying glass.

There's a member that offers float post repairs (micro laser welding):
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=118804.0

[kingrabbit]

I used a little dab o JB Weld on mine 3-4 years ago. No issues with that since. Super easy fix.
mine is also a 74 550K.
I wonder if it is cold weather that causes this? I am in E. Canada.

[dave500]

the ones Ive seen have been so hair line it almost was invisible,running almost the entire length of the tube perfectly straight,not sure how its caused like are they rolled and made too thin?or is it in how its entrapped in the bowl casting causing pressure?anyway I think its more common on the pd carbs?ive never seen early carbs with it?what do you think harisluv?

[evanphi]

I used a little dab o JB Weld on mine 3-4 years ago. No issues with that since. Super easy fix.
mine is also a 74 550K.
I wonder if it is cold weather that causes this? I am in E. Canada.

Now I'm intrigued as to if this has happened to me, too. 

[BobbyR]

It is not very hard to solder up a crack in the tube. It needs to be very clean.......very clean. Flux it up good and apply minimal heat. The solder will wick right into the crack.