Topic: Float Bowl Gaskets

[natron602]

Long time lurker; first time poster. I'm perhaps about to expose my complete n00bness but my 1975 CB550 is my first bike. I'm fairly handy but have run into what I hope is a simple issue.

Took out the carbs and just opened them up to get to cleaning and have found the float bowl gaskets are flat and house shaped, while the ones I bought to replace them are round and round. Seems the size is right to stretch it around the same shape. Is that what I'm supposed to do or was I given the wrong gaskets. If that be the case, can I make it work anyhow?

[Trad]

The old gaskets have formed to the shape of the float bowl. The OEM gaskets will always be round. You could use a bit of lithium grease to get them to hold shape. I use a tiny dab of crazy glue on any corner of the gasket that doesn't want to stay put. Goof luck.

[natron602]

Thanks you so much! I was hoping that was the case. The internet is amazing.

[Peterengland]

had my carbs off 3 or 4 times over the years but have never renewed the gaskets and they don't leak a drop.

[natron602]

They were $4 a piece. Figured it was worth a go, although turned out the real issue was a melted fuel line and filter.

[Adam_F]

Yeah, the honda car kits come with the round gaskets. As mentioned above, you can use an adhesive to hold them in place. Just make sure they don't get pinched at all when you put the bowls back on or you will have a gas leak. You can also fins shaped float gaskets. I just ordered some from 4 into 1 since I've been fiddling w my carbs a lot recently. Makes it a bit easier.

[flybox1]

They do sell shaped gaskets for your carbs.
Use a bit of superglue in the  corners to hold the round ones in place.

[Duanob]

OEM gaskets aren't always round. It's worth it to pick up a set of these.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-CB500-CB500K-CB550F-CB550-CB550K-CB350-CARB-FLOAT-BOWL-GASKETS-/201150238541?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ed57d0f4d&vxp=mtr

Or use permatex fuel resistant sealant and dab in the bowl gasket groove but even after a few times removing the bowls the o-rings tend to grow on you.