Topic: Overflowing carb

[The_Crippler]

I smelled gas this morning and checked the garage.  The first stop was the CB, which likes to mark its territory, but imagine my surprise when there was a puddle under my daily driver the Vulcan.  For some reason, since the the last time I rode it on Thursday, the carb overflowed while sitting.  That model does not have an "off" setting on the petcock, and has never in the ten years I've been driving it had a problem.  Anyone got any clue what might have caused this and how I should fix it?

[BeSeeingYou]

Don't know anything about that bike but does it have vacuum petcocks?  Typical of ones without an off position.  If so it could be a ruptured diaphragm or the internal rubber parts could be worn causing it to leak.  On my XS650 the vacuum petcock will leak from the prime side of the petcock regardless of what position the lever is in when this internal rubber disc is worn.

[The_Crippler]

It is much worse than that...had to stop by the shop anyway today, and they suggested that (as I suspected) it might be a stuck float.  I gave it a whack or two to free it up, and then went to try starting it to see...and A.) the engine didn't turn, and B.) gas poured out the tailpipe.  Very, very bad.  I'm guess the gas really leaked down and filled the engine.  Not going to be able to get them to tow it until next weekend.  Right now, my only hope is that the engine isn't totally borked.

[BeSeeingYou]

Sounds like a cylinder/cylinders had fuel in them and since fluid does not compress it would keep the engine from turning over once it hit the compression stroke.  At this point maybe get the tank off and drain the crankcase and  get some lube into the cylinders. Hopefully the gas in the locked cylinder will leak down into the crankcase and free it up.  See if you can turn it over with something other than the electric start.  Just try and ease it around at first. 

[The_Crippler]

Thanks for the tip!  I think I'm going to leave this one to the professionals, though since this is the "primary" vehicle.

However, from your post, am I correct in assuming that this isn't and end-of-the-world situation?

[BeSeeingYou]

It is very possible that no damage has been done.  Something similar is not uncommon with inboard marine engines.  traveling in heavy following seas waves can force water though the exhaust and fill up the cylinders and when you go to start it locks up instantly.  Usually no damage is done. 

[The_Crippler]

I realized that I never posted an update.  Engine was hydro locked, as we suspected.  Petcock had failed (vacuum operated, but broke and became constant flow) at the same time that the single-carb float valve stuck.  Still in the shop do to backlog, but should be free on the weekend.

[The_Crippler]

Zombie Thread!

So, once again, I came downstairs this morning, smelled gas, and there's my Vulcan making puddles.  It's not as bad as last time, but the carb is overflowing again.  When this happened in '09, it cost me $400 to get fixed, so this is vexing.  Anyone know what I can do to keep the carb float from sticking every 1-2 years?

[grcamna2]

Inspect your tank for lots of foreign matter (rust particles,chunks,etc.) and if you find any (and even if you don't;as a preventative,long term fix) have the fuel tank
relined w/ a very high qaulity coating (redcote,etc.) by a very experienced & qaulified individual.
    The Kawasaki model that you own may have a lower sub tank also which
is a smaller tank that usually collects most of the rust from both tanks. If you can afford it replace the tank if you have alot of rust.I recommend replacing the entire
fuel petcock to make sure it seals solidly for a long duration. The petcock should always be left in the standard "On" position and never in the "prime" position.
That prime position is only used to fill the carbs when they are empty and you then turn the handle w/ the arrow or lever to the "on" position.I would highly recommend a complete fuel system purge; flush out all the old rust particles for good & recheck your carb floats and float needles for wear to make sure that
they will continue to operate smoothly for the duration.
  Why not pick up a good factory service manual and tackle a bunch of these things
yourself,if you have the time and inclination...it can be very rewarding !

                                                        ALL  THE  BEST - Let me know how it turns out.