Topic: Float Adjust Help

[bozo4onion]

75 550F original carbs. I haven't really gotten into the carb cleaning and adjusting yet, just disassembly. I've read many times the procedure for setting float height. Sounds easy right? Well my float needles remain in contact with the floats all the way down. They will fall out if the floats are removed. I know float adjustment isn't supposed to be done w/the carbs upside down as I read you can do this w/the carbs on the bike. What's up. I've got new float valves coming. Are mine just shot? Will my new needles fall out too? Just want to be ready when the time comes. Thanks.

[Gordon]

Yes, the needles are supposed to fall out if the floats are removed.  That's all that's holding them in place, which is why it's easier to adjust the float level with the carbs sitting horizontally.  What you're looking for when making the adjustments is when the float tang makes contact with the spring-loaded needle plunger when the needle itself is already in its seat. 

[bozo4onion]

From FAQ
"To measure the height, you need to raise the float to just the point where it touches the little pin that stops the flow of fuel into the bowl.  It's just like a toilet.  When the float 'floats' in the fuel to a certain height, it shuts off the flow of fuel into the bowl." 

Is the "little pin" in this FAQ the needle? Is the needle or the "little pin" the thing that actually stops the fuel. It sounds to me like you raise the float till it touches something. Mine is always touching something. Are you saying you raise the float till the needle moves to the end of its travel, compresses the spring and stops?

[mystic_1]

The float needle is the thing that falls out when you remove the float.  It has a small spring-loaded pin sticking out of it.  You need to raise (close) the float until the float needle moves all the way into the seat (theoretically closing the valve) BUT not so far that the spring-loaded needle is compressed.  This is much easier with the carbs off the bike and flipped upside down.

Here's a web page with pics that describes the process:

http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/carb/asmpg_mgs/flthgt.htm

hth

mystic_1

[bozo4onion]

The method shown on the site there indeed will not work unless the carbs are inverted or on their sides. What's up.

[mystic_1]

It's possible to do this while the carbs are on the bike, what you have to do is to lift the float until the float needle seats, but not so far that it compresses the pin.

That said, the gymnastics involved in doing this with the carbs mounted probably isn't worth it.  Just pull the rack and flip it over.

I've checked float levels with the carbs installed, but always take the carbs off to adjust them.  My 750K0 has quick-release clips on the float bowls and even then it's a pain to work on them on the bike, particularly the inner carbs.

mystic_1

[bozo4onion]

Much thanks mystic and gordon, I think I's gots it now. Mine are already off so no probs.