Topic: And it still leaks gas (shameless help me with carbs thread)

[Tretnine]

I've been hashing it out with cb550k carburetors for as long as I can remember, and I haven't won a single match. They're always leaking at the floats. I need to buy some new float bits to try in there, but I'm not sure where to look, most of the forum information is ??-76, and that doesn't seem like it'll do. The 77-78 carbs are different and I cannot, for the life of me find good kits. Bike bandit has the float sets, but they're $25 for just the float needle and the and the the clip that attaches it to the float itself. Add that to the $15 gasket kit for each carb and I'm looking at $300+ to rebuild 2 sets of carbs. (2x cb550k 1978) Gwarsch!

Are there better, cheaper sources for 77-78 carb parts?

[manjisann]

Do you know for sure you are leaking at the float needles, as in it keeps pissing out the overflow tubes?

If the needles are still in good condition (IE no ring worn around the top) you could try using a q-tip and some valve lapping compound to redress the seat, this is of course assuming that it's the needle to seat fitment that is causing the problem.

Anyhow, if you could be more specific as to what your problem is(aside from sourcing parts, sorry I'm not much help there other than suggesting looking in the FAQ) we may be able to give you some tips. Pictures are also always helpful.

Brandon

[luder]

Let me see if I can find out where I bought a set  last year-I believe they were around 30-40 bucks a set of 4...later luder

[campbmic]

I purchased rebuild kits from parts n more for $12 a carb and they have worked great!

[Tretnine]

I'm not seeing a 78 cb550k carb kit at partsnmore. Did you buy that exact model carb kit there? Otherwise, I'm still looking.

[Stev-o]

I've been hashing it out with cb550k carburetors for as long as I can remember, and I haven't won a single match. They're always leaking at the floats. I need to buy some new float bits to try in there, but I'm not sure where to look, most of the forum information is ??-76, and that doesn't seem like it'll do. The 77-78 carbs are different and I cannot, for the life of me find good kits. Gwarsch!

Are there better, cheaper sources for 77-78 carb parts?

I had quite a bit of trouble w/carbs on my '76 550F, I ended up buying a new rack for $100 on ebay [had new jets & seats] and after a little work, it is finally running good.

Good Luck.