Topic: Float Fuel Level Tool - drain plug adapter

[slane]

I'd like to check the fuel level on a '75 CB550F with the clear tube method but I need an adapter for the drain.  The manual says to take a drain plug and modify it - but I don't have any spares laying around This is exactly what I am looking for but they are sold out and I can't find anything like it anywhere else:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392633005514
Any suggestions!  Thanks!

Rebuilt the carbs, fuel seeping up out of intakes.

[seanbarney41]

I use a plastic vacuum nipple that I just force threaded into the drain plug hole, then just a nice piece of clear fuel line.  Been using this for years.  We are not talking about 360psi of aircraft grade sealing power necessary here.  And a bowl's worth of gasoline spilled in the garage will not necessarily instantly turn to a burning, hurtling ball of death fire...

[Deltarider]

Here a simple method for your model to verify fuel levels. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185754.msg2151647.html#msg2151647

[newday777]

I'd like to check the fuel level on a '75 CB550F with the clear tube method but I need an adapter for the drain.  The manual says to take a drain plug and modify it - but I don't have any spares laying around This is exactly what I am looking for but they are sold out and I can't find anything like it anywhere else:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392633005514
Any suggestions!  Thanks!

Rebuilt the carbs, fuel seeping up out of intakes.

Welcome aboard slane
That link shows it is only 1 adaptor 'tool' for $20. So you'd spend $80 for the 4 needed to do the job..........
If you have a Mighty Vac, they come with adaptors you can use like Sean said to push in and thread in or you can buy the adaptors.

What carb kits did you use?
It sounds like you might have bought cheap carb kits and changed to their float valves(fuel leaking out of the boots)

Introduce yourself and your bike in the new members section.

[newday777]

Or you can buy 4 new drain screws to replace your old ones and make your own screw in test kit.

https://4into1.com/float-bowl-drain-screw-4-pack-honda-cb350f-400f-500k-550-750-kawasaki-kz650-1000-z1r/

[Deltarider]

The first pic shows what I have made myself long time ago, for considerable less, I must say.
Look, you can make things as complicated as you want, but if - by using my method - you find equal amounts of fuel drained, you can rest reassured there's nothing wrong with the floats. As a matter of fact, I never have seen CB500/550 floats that needed readjustment, let alone mine that have been in use for over 85.000 miles. In the meanwhile I keep asking myself why - only in this forum (!) -, there's so much attention for the fuel levels and it is presented as a maintenance item, which it is not. Is it maybe the Clymer manual which was publicised in the US? 

[flatlander]

a bit of clear line jammed in there will do the trick. no need to fabricate adapters. if the line's too thick, hold a lighter under it while pulling in both directions. cut the thin part through the middle and you have 2 ends of tube that you should be able to thread in there.

i wouldn't spend much on tools for this as it's indeed not something you need to do regularly.

[kerryb]

I agree with all of the above, but after struggling with the tubing heated-and-jammed-in method I decided to make my own from aluminum on my lathe.  They seal with an oring, screw in finger-tight and don't leak, ever.  I have now used them on cb550, cb750, and goldwing carbs.  If you want a set it will cost you a reasonable donation to this site and a couple days for me to get to making them (I work slow)
p.s.  as the picture shows on the goldwing carb bank, they are strong enough to support the carbs on a board without coming loose and leaking.

[flatlander]

wow that's the luxury version, nice!!

[newday777]

I agree with all of the above, but after struggling with the tubing heated-and-jammed-in method I decided to make my own from aluminum on my lathe.  They seal with an oring, screw in finger-tight and don't leak, ever.  I have now used them on cb550, cb750, and goldwing carbs.  If you want a set it will cost you a reasonable donation to this site and a couple days for me to get to making them (I work slow)
p.s.  as the picture shows on the goldwing carb bank, they are strong enough to support the carbs on a board without coming loose and leaking.

A mighty fine offer!!!!!!!!!

[Little_Phil]

Or, same thread I think.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283675027365

[kerryb]

Or, same thread I think.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283675027365

Yup, same function, assuming the japanese carb guys agree on what thread to use for bowl drains.  The ones I make have a bigger shoulder to grab with pliers if it needs help coming out and three barbs to really grab the tube.  I'm not trying to save a few cents on "un-needed" material, I make 'em easy for me.  The previous poster said they were out of stock, and if I can help him out, I get the satisfaction of helping the site too.  Win,win.

[slane]

What carb kits did you use?
It sounds like you might have bought cheap carb kits and changed to their float valves(fuel leaking out of the boots)

I got the "Genuine Honda" kit from 4-into-1 (16010-323-315-CB500 CB550).  Though, when I had to remove one of the bowls the bowl gasket had gotten twice as long and was near impossible to re-use.  I don't normally see that with a genuine Honda gasket...

Introduce yourself and your bike in the new members section.

Will do!

[slane]

I agree with all of the above, but after struggling with the tubing heated-and-jammed-in method I decided to make my own from aluminum on my lathe.  They seal with an oring, screw in finger-tight and don't leak, ever.  I have now used them on cb550, cb750, and goldwing carbs.  If you want a set it will cost you a reasonable donation to this site and a couple days for me to get to making them (I work slow)
p.s.  as the picture shows on the goldwing carb bank, they are strong enough to support the carbs on a board without coming loose and leaking.

I would LOVE a set!  Please define "reasonable" and I would happy to contribute!
 

[slane]

Or, same thread I think.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283675027365

Thanks!  Will need to do some research and see if those use keihin carbs as I usually just work on Hondas.

[kerryb]

I would LOVE a set!  Please define "reasonable" and I would happy to contribute!
 
[/quote]

I will make you a set.  I sent you a PM.

[kerryb]

What carb kits did you use?
It sounds like you might have bought cheap carb kits and changed to their float valves(fuel leaking out of the boots)

I got the "Genuine Honda" kit from 4-into-1 (16010-323-315-CB500 CB550).  Though, when I had to remove one of the bowls the bowl gasket had gotten twice as long and was near impossible to re-use.  I don't normally see that with a genuine Honda gasket...

Introduce yourself and your bike in the new members section.

Will do!

I used some orings for bowl gaskets, cb550, I think they were 68mm, but they were 2mm too big and wouldn't stay in the grooves, sooo...
I glued them in with Gaskacinch, cut them to size at the end and glued the ends together in the bowl groove.
I couldn't believe it worked but it did.  When I removed the bowl 2 days later, I had to glue part of it back in again, but for  $1.10 each in viton I was ok with extra effort.  I do prefer stock honda, but sometimes I'm cheap or in a hurry.  It helps to get lucky!

[Garage_guy_chris]

found these for 750's back in 2016 not sure if they would work on the 500/550

Ok so a couple weeks ago i was asking about the thread size of the drain screws. after some dead ends and screwing around on the net for entirely too long i found a happy coincidence. Many Suzuki's use the same thread ( M6 x 0.75 ) on there carburetor drain screws. In addition you can buy an inexpensive tool to do just this "clear tube method" on the zuki carbs.   I will probably email Z1 and see if they will list these gizmo's for our honda's too

I decided to pick up a couple to try, they came today and they screwed right into my spare set of 750 72-76 round tops drain screws! 

anyways here is a link to Z1 enterprises where I found them

*OLD*  https://www.z1enterprises.com/product/ZSM01-208  *OLD*
*NEW*  https://www.z1enterprises.com/fuel-level-gauge-tool-kawasaki-suzuki.html  *NEW*

There is a fancier version which is based on a Suzuki service tool ( # 57001-208 ). I imagine this would work as well but its a fair bit more expensive

https://www.z1enterprises.com/product/57001-208

Anyways heres a few photo's

[kerryb]

Adapters mailed out today.

[RAFster122s]

Kerryb, just saw this thread... How much for a set? Would be nice to have for the 74 cb550...
David

[Deltarider]

And this goes on and on. What is this obsession with buying stuff? Can anyone explain what is wrong with my simple method? http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185754.msg2151647.html#msg2151647
Please, I invite you to falsify, because contradiction only, will move us further.

[flatlander]

can't people make their own choices? it's their own money, after all.
some people prefer to spend their time, some to spend money, some just like shiny new stuff, some prefer to use and re-use what's already there... live and let live. no need to be controversial.

p.s.
if this can raise some money for the site as kerryb generously proposed, it's actually a good thing that deserves support in my opinion.

[kerryb]

And this goes on and on. What is this obsession with buying stuff? Can anyone explain what is wrong with my simple method? http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185754.msg2151647.html#msg2151647
Please, I invite you to falsify, because contradiction only, will move us further.

The "obsession" that I have is for "making" stuff, and also for "having" stuff to make stuff with.  So my shop is loaded with lots of wood, metal, plastic, & rubber to recycle into tools, bike parts, etc. I bought a small lathe (8"x 14") so I could make stuff, then used it to help someone get these fittings they were searching for...made me feel good to help out.
There is nothing wrong with your method, but I prefer visual proof of what I seek...which carb is leaking now?!, or, are all the float levels really correct?, let's rule that out as a problem., or do I have a slow leak and which bowl is it?

There is nothing wrong with your method, but I have to do mental volumetric mathematics to appreciate it and I still don't know which carb has the slow leak.  So I'll stick with my fittings because I find it simpler, and I get to use another tool I made!  I've even run the bike with these installed to see if a filter flow could keep up with carb demand.  Lastly, if I make them for members who then donate to the forum, it makes three people feel good, ( me twice!).  Sometimes I go out to the shop and dream up something simple to make to keep myself busy, because drama on tv dosen't do,it for me.
Thank you Deltarider for your forum posts, I find them informative and invigorating ( I don't always agree) and I shall continue to read them for the good info I get from them.  Send me your address and I'll send you a set so you can try them out to be sure of my folley or fun.

all part of the adventure...

[kerryb]

Kerryb, just saw this thread... How much for a set? Would be nice to have for the 74 cb550...
David

Ok, you're up next, when you get them, make a donation (maybe in my name) of a reasonable amount to support the forum.  The amount isn't specified because we each have our own  budget and generousity quotient to contend with.  It would be a horrible loss for this site to disappear so keep that in mind when you donate.  It takes me about two hours to make a set, so put that in your calculations along with the $5.00 postage (part of my donation). 
I tried to find the donation board once because one member said he made a $50 donation in my name, but I never found it, (and didn't want to know if it wasn't true).
Don't forget to PM me your name and address.

(Oh goody, I get to make something!)

[bryanj]

Some people find setting float levels with verniers or a gauge so anything making it easier, whilst not necessary, can be very useful

[kerryb]

bryanj, I use these mostly to prove float valve effectiveness, setting levels works well too because I don't have a gauge.
I won't buy any float valves that aren't genuine oem because I've proven to myselt it is best practice despite the exhorbitant cost.  $160.00 for 4 goldwing valves really hurt, but the carbs work fine now.

[Deltarider]

And this goes on and on. What is this obsession with buying stuff? Can anyone explain what is wrong with my simple method? http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,185754.msg2151647.html#msg2151647
Please, I invite you to falsify, because contradiction only, will move us further.

The "obsession" that I have is for "making" stuff, and also for "having" stuff to make stuff with.  So my shop is loaded with lots of wood, metal, plastic, & rubber to recycle into tools, bike parts, etc. I bought a small lathe (8"x 14") so I could make stuff, then used it to help someone get these fittings they were searching for...made me feel good to help out.
There is nothing wrong with your method, but I prefer visual proof of what I seek...which carb is leaking now?!, or, are all the float levels really correct?, let's rule that out as a problem., or do I have a slow leak and which bowl is it?

There is nothing wrong with your method, but I have to do mental volumetric mathematics to appreciate it and I still don't know which carb has the slow leak.  So I'll stick with my fittings because I find it simpler, and I get to use another tool I made!  I've even run the bike with these installed to see if a filter flow could keep up with carb demand.  Lastly, if I make them for members who then donate to the forum, it makes three people feel good, ( me twice!).  Sometimes I go out to the shop and dream up something simple to make to keep myself busy, because drama on tv dosen't do,it for me.
Thank you Deltarider for your forum posts, I find them informative and invigorating ( I don't always agree) and I shall continue to read them for the good info I get from them.  Send me your address and I'll send you a set so you can try them out to be sure of my folley or fun.

all part of the adventure...

Thanks Kerry, for your friendly answer. I apologise, because clearly I must have missed something in the previous posts. Also thanks for your offer, but I won't need them. I digged up my old one in the garage. I remember I have machined the thread myself back then. The tube has gone a bit stiff after all those years.
An advice to all of us. Whether you use clear tubes or my method, exercise patience, when you open the petcock. The bowls need time to fill up and it may take longer than you think... I once watched this proces with the carb - its bowl removed - placed over a glass. What impressed me, was how slowly and gentle the floattang lifts the needle to where it shuts the valve. All this without compressing its pin even for a nano second. That pin is only there to act as a shock absorber on bumpy roads. It explains why my float needles still don't show any wear after having seen pass over 2000 liters of gasoline each. Brilliant design.

[BrickWoll]

All,

Just wanted to take this opportunity to offer a testimonial to kerryb.  Earlier this year he fabricated a tach delete for me, which has worked flawlessly and looks great.  He asked that I make a contribution to this forum in lieu of payment, which I happily did.  Good guy and good workmanship.

[extrafunky]

A muzzleloader flushing nipple also works as drain adapter.

This is what I use on my 74 CB550:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191894242979

It comes in different sizes. I have the 6x.75mm thread. Less then $30 for 4.

[Alan F.]

A muzzleloader flushing nipple also works as drain adapter.

This is what I use on my 74 CB550:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191894242979

It comes in different sizes. I have the 6x.75mm thread. Less then $30 for 4.

Good tip, I love parts that come from other sources like that!

[WhyNot2]

Good reading here........I'ma needing to do this to all my vintages...........!!!!!!

[slane]

I just wanted to post a follow up: Thanks a million to kerryb for milling me a set of the float nipple and sending them out to me.  I got them and they are fantastic - did just what I needed!

Thanks so much!