Topic: clean carbs, fixed leaks, no start.

[stereosilence]

*Update* I got the leaks fixed (one fuel line wasn't *quite* seated properly and one of those small horizontal tubes between two carbs wasn't quite in the middle and was leaking.

Still no start. When I use the starter, it is really high pitched with no difference whether the choke is on or off. What should I try?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clean the carbs, they said. It'll run great, they said. It's not that hard, they said.

So, I took my carbs to pieces, reassembled them, did a bench sync, put them back on and...they leak a little. They only leak when I have the petcock turned on and for a bit after I turn it off. Does this mean it is the T's? I suppose it could be the float bowls...but the gas shouldn't get up that high due to the floats (which I set meticulously with calipers), right?

Next, I figured I would run the engine a bit and burn off the gas in the bowls before I removed the carbs again. I fire away with the electric starter....nothing. If the gaskets at the top of each piston leak, that would kill the vacuum and no gas would reach the engine right? But wouldn't there be firing on at least one cylinder? It sounded like I wasn't getting anything.

Where do I go from here guys? I've done tons of work and the bike looks great. I am ready to be back on the road and this is all that stands in my way!

[LesterPiglet]

What process did you use to set the float heights? This should be done with the carb on it's side, not upside down.

[Johnie]

First thing you need to do is identify where the leak is coming from and go from there. Could be the T's, float bowl gaskets, float valve worn, etc.

[adamlwvdc36]

If its leaking from your overflows (on the bottom of the bowls) then it is something to do with your floats.  with the floats installed, flip the carbs upside down.  The distance from the bottom (now the top because its upside down) of the floats to the body of the carbs is 22mm for spec.  if you did that, and its still leaking, then your float valves are not seating properly.  could be gunk up in there.  after I rebuilt mine, my #1 leaked for a day, I ignored it (turning fuel off when not riding) then the gas/seafoam combination dissolved whatever was up there and now they dont leak.... this worked for MY bike but it may not for yours. 

If all else fails, read this thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=73521.0

[LesterPiglet]

I'll say this again. The float heights are not measured with the carbs upside down.

[stereosilence]

I set the float valves properly. I read a lot of posts about people doing them wrong. The gas is not coming from the overflow valves so I don't think that is the issue

Any idea how to identify the source of the leak? Gas is basically clear...

[LesterPiglet]

Do you have overflow tubes on? If the float heights were wrong this is where the fuel would come from. Completely empty the carbs using the drains. Dry them off. Sprinkle some talc over the carbs and switch on the fuel and see what gets wet first.

[bollingball]

You are not explaining it very well. Give us some idea of where you see the leak. Do what Lester said. Remember you are our eyes.

Ken

[luap]

you try putting your hand over the back of each carb, good vaccum should suck your hand in,
are you getting any spark
paul

[stereosilence]

I think I am getting spark. Everything worked before I took it apart. I think I did remove the spark plug wires. Maybe I hooked them up wrong?

Do you mean to put my hand over the air intake?