Topic: Simple (but challenging) broken carb question 500 Four K1

[paulbaker1954]

Just stripping down my 1972 K1 500 Four project and discovered that in a prevous life the fuel overflow brass pipe "thingy" at the base of the fuel bowl and also the elbow (think its a breather) on the side of the carb body have both got snapped off.

Plan is to see if I can drill these out VERY CAREFULLY and see if I can find some replacements. I beieve these are both only overflow/breather connections so I could probably just leave as is without affecting running. But I am a bit of a perfectionist and wuold like it right.

I have attached a PDF with pics showing the problems

Alternative would be if I were lucky enough to find a replacement carb body (It's Right Hand Inside - ie cylinder 3) or even a replacement set of carbs but I know a full set will come with a hefty price tag just for this repair.

Anyone got any other thoughts?

[Deltarider]

You could also keep your money in your pocket. Made most of my 100.000 kms with the overflow tubes unattached. On the other hand a bowl is found easily. The other higher up vent vent can also be without a tube.
Was that damage done by somebody trying to separate the carbs?

[paulbaker1954]

Dont know how the damage got done but good to know not essential technology for both by the sound of it 

[Deltarider]

The tubes are mainly there to frustrate adventurous little crawling insects and - in the case of the lower - to direct overflowing gas away from the enginecase. The funny thing is that over the years I had several overflows and also tubes that slid of from the petcock spilling gas over the enginecase but never had the bike on fire. Not that I recommend it, but since I have the tubes not attached an overflow is spotted more quickly and I can see rightaway which one it is.