Topic: Where to get float bowl gasket...FAST?!?

[mgzych]

Hi, everyone.

Looking for help resolving my own mini-emergency.  I have plans for a big ride this weekend, and when I rolled out my 1975 CB550F yesterday evening (I know, I should've done it a lot sooner), the joint between the float bowl and carb body was leaking fuel like a sieve (carb #1, if I understand the numbering convention).  I removed the bowl to find that the result of the carb rebuild I paid for a few years ago was an old hardened gasket smeared with some kind of gray goop that clearly isn't doing the trick anymore.

Does anyone know where I can get a new float bowl gasket within 48 hours in Dutchess County, NY, or nearby areas?

Or does anyone have any nifty alternative fix, even if temporary, that might get me through the weekend?

Thanks!
Mark

[bryanj]

The needle valve is leaking as fuel level should not be that high

[mgzych]

@bryanj, thanks!

Could you, by any chance, elaborate on how I could confirm your suspicion about the leaky needle valve and correct it (with or without a new float bowl gasket)?

Thanks,
Mark

[Stev-o]

The needle valve may not be leaking as much as just stuck in the up position, allowing fuel to overfill the float bowl. This happens when the bike has set for awhile.
To check this, turn your petcock on, with your float bowl removed, fuel should be flowing down. Now push up on the float, fuel slow should stop.

As far as a replacement gasket, find the part number from the fiche and have one overnighted...

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/models-with-no-year/cb550f-a/carburetor

[willbird]

Hi, everyone.

Looking for help resolving my own mini-emergency.  I have plans for a big ride this weekend, and when I rolled out my 1975 CB550F yesterday evening (I know, I should've done it a lot sooner), the joint between the float bowl and carb body was leaking fuel like a sieve (carb #1, if I understand the numbering convention).  I removed the bowl to find that the result of the carb rebuild I paid for a few years ago was an old hardened gasket smeared with some kind of gray goop that clearly isn't doing the trick anymore.

Does anyone know where I can get a new float bowl gasket within 48 hours in Dutchess County, NY, or nearby areas?

Or does anyone have any nifty alternative fix, even if temporary, that might get me through the weekend?

Thanks!
Mark

This guy ships fedex and his stuff has been really quick for every order so far.
https://www.vintagecb750.com/

[bryanj]

You can not get the float bowl O ring seperate, only in a kit.
Somewhere i have the size i will look later for you

[willbird]

Also is it leaking on center stand or on the kick stand ?? IMHO even with the flats set "right" my CB750K2 will leak on the side stand if I do not have the bowl seated properly. It does not leak on center stand. I park it on center stand, work on it on center stand, ride it fairly upright. Then I will put it on kick stand to buy gas and a bowl that is not seated correctly will drip.

I really need to just get OCD about doing a more rigid visual any time I have a flat bowl off and put it back on.

Bill

[jakec]

All 4's will leak from the #1 carb if you leave it sitting long enough. Also if it's an emergency, just use more of that sealant. If you said it held up for a few years, then it will be fine for your ride.

[jlh3rd]

if the needle valve is sticking, it will leak out of the overflow line.
If you want to confirm that it is the needle valve. Put the bike on its center stand, turn the fuel on and wait.
If it doesn't flow from the overflow tube, the needle valve is working.
curious what "side" of the gasket was leaking.
And I use this stuff for lawnmower carb and intake unobtainable gaskets.
Should work in your emergency, as the other would.

[bryanj]

You need a 67x1.9 viton O ring

[mgzych]

The needle valve may not be leaking as much as just stuck in the up position, allowing fuel to overfill the float bowl. This happens when the bike has set for awhile.
To check this, turn your petcock on, with your float bowl removed, fuel should be flowing down. Now push up on the float, fuel slow should stop.

As far as a replacement gasket, find the part number from the fiche and have one overnighted...

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/models-with-no-year/cb550f-a/carburetor

Thanks, @Stev-o.  Using you approach it seems the needle valve is working properly.  I'll stay focused on the gasket for now.

[mgzych]

This guy ships fedex and his stuff has been really quick for every order so far.
https://www.vintagecb750.com/

Thanks, @willbird.  I'll try him...and add him to my list of parts sources for the future!

[mgzych]

Also is it leaking on center stand or on the kick stand ?? IMHO even with the flats set "right" my CB750K2 will leak on the side stand if I do not have the bowl seated properly. It does not leak on center stand. I park it on center stand, work on it on center stand, ride it fairly upright. Then I will put it on kick stand to buy gas and a bowl that is not seated correctly will drip.

I really need to just get OCD about doing a more rigid visual any time I have a flat bowl off and put it back on.

Bill

Sidestand.  I didn't think to check upright or on center stand.

All 4's will leak from the #1 carb if you leave it sitting long enough. Also if it's an emergency, just use more of that sealant. If you said it held up for a few years, then it will be fine for your ride.

if the needle valve is sticking, it will leak out of the overflow line.
If you want to confirm that it is the needle valve. Put the bike on its center stand, turn the fuel on and wait.
If it doesn't flow from the overflow tube, the needle valve is working.
curious what "side" of the gasket was leaking.
And I use this stuff for lawnmower carb and intake unobtainable gaskets.
Should work in your emergency, as the other would.

It was leaking from the seam/joint long the edge of the bowl toward the rear of the bike.  I've since removed the bowl.  Maybe I'll try one of the those gasket sealant products this weekend, while I wait for a set of gaskets.

Thanks, everyone!

[mgzych]

You need a 67x1.9 viton O ring

Thanks, @bryanj.  I'm sure this opens up a greater range of possible sources.  But I'm just not sure where I'd go looking for a "generic" o-ring of this specification either.  Any suggestions?

[mgzych]

Among those of you who have used a tube of something-or-other to aid in fixing leaks such as mine, does one of these jump out at you as best for the job?  I'd prioritize an ease of future disassembly and cleaning for replacement with a new gasket over a longer-term fix.

ThreeBond
- TB1121
- TB1184

Permatex
- Super High Tack Gasket Sealant 80060
- Fuel Risistant Gasket Dressing & Flange Sealant 85420
- Rubber Gasket Sealant & Dressing 85409

Thanks,
Mark

[jonda500]

+1 The needle & seat valve needs either adjusting, cleaning or replacing - the fuel shouldn't get that high in the bowl, period. If the bowl gasket wasn't leaking it would come out the overflow tube.
John
p.s. I can leave my bike on the centre or side stand for 3 weeks with the fuel tap left on and not a drop of fuel leaks out!
   If I leave the fuel tap off for long enough to use up the fuel in the fuel lines (as it slowly evaporates from the bowls) then when I turn it back on, it leaks from the fuel tees between carbs 1&2 and 3&4 because the o rings dry out and shrink.

[Stev-o]

p.s. I can leave my bike on the centre or side stand for 3 weeks with the fuel tap left on and not a drop of fuel leaks out!
   

You must have good fuel over there down under!  The ethanol here in the States causes many problems for us. I use non-eth as much as possible...