After dealing with leaking AND sticking float valves for three weeks ('74 750K with 9k mi) I removed the carbs for the fouth time and polished the valve seats (400g Clover compound and mothers'). I also polished the valve tips: The D#%$ things still leak, (OK they POUR) and the needles get hung in the valve bores occasionally! The only way to un-stick them is to remove the bowls and gently "encourage" the valve with needlenose pliers. Arrgh! After removing the carbs this much, and tinkering, I have yet to be able to duplicate the problem on a workbench. I have replaced and re-routed fuel lines, checked the petcock screen, the tank vent, (new seal too) and now, after chamfering the square corners of the float valves with a jewlers' file and an emery board, I polished them and their bores. The float levels have always been set correctly FWIW. Now, I am patiently waiting on new valve assemblies.... I did; however, install some "Ebay grade" bar end mirrors, and try to ride (losing traction off stop signs and lights from fuel spillage
). What an improvment in rearward visability from the old mirror placment. The BE mirrors are only 3" flat glass, but they are where they need to be, and I can SEE! Ahhh the trials or "riding" old motorcycles
A character building experience indeed.
Fabricator
