Topic: The original float tool from a Honda dealer mechanic

[SohcCBs]

Finally I was sent photos of the original tool.  A 38 year old float tool the dealers gave to the mechanics.
The 26mm is measured from the lip around the carb, not the gasket surface.  On the early carbs.
See the measurement details here:  http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/float_tool/float_gauge.htm

 

[kghost]

I have one about like that made out of aluminium that I fabbed.

I don't use it to set the actual float level....I use it to ballpark it.

The fine tuning of the level in each individual bowl I set with modified float bowls that allow me to see the exact level of each bowl.

Dunno if its me but theres variations amongst floats in terms of mass....I'm talking old ones here...no idea about new ones.

I've not seemed to encounter the float level problems some here have.

[SohcCBs]

I've not seemed to encounter the float level problems some here have.

Me neither.  I just set them all at 26mm from the lip indentations 6 years ago, and've never had any problems....'ve rebuilt the carbs twice including when I first got it, but haven't changed the floats since then.

[heffay]

i try not to set the float level but the fuel level. 
i think that speaks to kghost's comment of differing floats.
open the carb drain, run a length of clear tube from that, up next to the float bowl... the fuel will flow into the tube up to the precise level it is at in the carbs.  make sure it is at the same point for each carb and voila. 
yes, of course, the leveling tool is a ballpark... gotta start somewhere.

[SohcCBs]

i try not to set the float level but the fuel level. 
i think that speaks to kghost's comment of differing floats.
open the carb drain, run a length of clear tube from that, up next to the float bowl... the fuel will flow into the tube up to the precise level it is at in the carbs.  make sure it is at the same point for each carb and voila. 
yes, of course, the leveling tool is a ballpark... gotta start somewhere.

Yes, I understand fully what you both are saying and agree.  I haven't found it any more critical (or necessary in my case) than setting them all at 26mm....at least with my carbs.  It runs quite good, though I also have DynaS and Accell Super 3ohm Coils, which was a noticable improvement.  I'm still getting 44mpg at moderate throttle.

[heffay]

you ran thru a tank of gas at moderate throttle 

[SohcCBs]

you ran thru a tank of gas at moderate throttle 

It's not easy, but yes......and I never put gas in the tank except to full....and have logged every fillup on all three of my vehicles and have all my life.  I still have all that data going back 10 years (computer spreadsheets).

From time to time I also go do a 100 or more miles specifically to do milage checks.  It's a good way of knowing the state of your engine, carbs and general tuning.

[Bob Wessner]

It's a good way of knowing the state of your engine, carbs and general tuning.

I agree, though I'm not as meticulous. I check it periodically, any major change warrants looking into.

[jsaab2748]

Is there any specific "level" or fuel height you guys use as a maximum
when measuring? Or, put another way, how high in the bowl?

[heffay]

best way to do it would be to set all the carbs w/ the gauge pictured .  check them w/ my method, if you like, after that.  if they are all the same, don't touch.  if they differ, try to match to the one that you think is the most correct one.

someone else might chime in where they think the level is supposed to land in relation to the outside of the carb bowl... but, that differs for most different bikes.

many shop manuals suggest the method i describe and will actually give the specific location it should be at... not sohc4 stuff though, i don't think.

[eurban]

For the 77-78 pumper carbs, when the float levels are set correctly, the fuel level is at or just a hair below the bowl to carb body seam.  Whether or not this is applicable to the earlier carbs I cannot say. The fuel level should obviously be a bit below the top of the overflow tube.  On the late carbs the brass overflow tubes also serve as the drain tubes (the drain screw blocks a hole in the tube at the bottom of the bowl, when the screw is loosened fuel drains out of the tube rather than the drain screw hole)  With clear tubing on the overflow nubs, it is quite easy to see level of fuel in the bowls.  Heffay, on the early carbs, how do you connect up the tubing to the carb drain as the drain is a threaded hole that the drain screw fits into??  Is it a pressure fit?  I have heard of people modifying their drain screws to allow the connection of clear tubing but this seemed like a lot of work. 

[heffay]

duct tape and bailing wire 

[mystic_1]

on the early carbs, how do you connect up the tubing to the carb drain

My Clymer manual suggests buying a spare carb drain plug and drilling it out to accept a short piece of brass tubing.  You could epoxy the brass tube in place then attach your clear hose to that.


mystic_1

[jsaab2748]

For the 77-78 pumper carbs, when the float levels are set correctly, the fuel level is at or just a hair below the bowl to carb body seam.  Whether or not this is applicable to the earlier carbs I cannot say. The fuel level should obviously be a bit below the top of the overflow tube. 

My thoughts exactly, just wasn't sure about an exact measurement.
Thank you for that bit sir, and to everyone for this thread. I been searching/collecting this information for sometime, and it really helps.
sorry for the interruption folks