Topic: Kehien cv carb float clear tube level

[kerryb]

Well its only a single cam on each side...'77 goldwing, gl1000, kehien carbs, measuring float level with the clear tube method.  I understand that carb bowl level should be 2-3 mm below the rim of the float bowl.  If the carbs are not level, should that measurement be taken at the low side, the high side, or in the middle?
Learned about clear tube method here, so here seemed a good place to ask.

[Don R]

 The problem with that method is the float valve acts like a check valve, once it's over the float level it doesn't go back down until you drain a little and re-fill.
 Does the manual tell you where to measure from in the float setting procedure?

[kerryb]

Yes, float measurement is 21mm from the bowl lip to the top (bottom) of the float.  When the bowl is filling, you can clearly see it stop and then verry slowly creep up more till the bowl is over-full.  New oe needles and seats, checked for leaks around the oring that seals the float seat, none there.  It doesn't come up through the main jet and run out of the carb, but the clear tube seems to show an over-full condition.  Very perplexing.

[BenelliSEI]

Interesting.... my GL1000 had a mechanical fuel pump so there is even some fuel pressure (more than a normal gravity feed tank). Perhaps just do on side and keep those carbs level?

[kerryb]

Well, at wits end, I polished out the dents in the float tangs as a last resort. Tested them one more time, same result. So I'm putting the bike back together (carbs on engine, engine back in, I'll deal with the ugly truth in the spring when ride-testing commences.  Thanks for the responses.

[eldar]

Good luck, carbs can be a pain on some bikes. The carbs on my vf700c were a serious bear to tackle. Makes an CB carb look like a cakewalk.

[MauiK3]

Could the fuel be going around the valve threads?
I’d try using the middle of the side of the bowl as a test.

[kerryb]

Could the fuel be going around the valve threads?
I’d try using the middle of the side of the bowl as a test.

I was hoping fuel was getting aroud the threads, actually there are no threads on main valve oitlet, just an o -ring, but alas, no leaks through there.  Darn! 

[Don R]

 Have you replaced the plenum o rings and seal? Mine was getting gas in the plenum and that was flooding the carbs. I bought the red rubber Randakks set. I did my brothers GL1000 too.
  On my 78 I did the Randakks 77model running lean cure of putting jets in the pilot air lines to restrict the pilot air. I used #110 cb750F main jets It still sucks to ride until the carbs warm up. I just let it idle until the engine makes heat and it's ready to rock. Next carb cleaning the needles get washers.

[kerryb]

Yup, I did a very thorough cleaning with a full Randakks kit, new oe needles & seats, all new hoses and a carefull bench-synch.  Fired it up last night and initial impression is very good.  But at 6 degrees F I'm not opening the door to run it long enough to warm up and check synch w/ gauges.  Ride testing will have to wait for warmer weather..