Overflow pipe crack
- Brett0424
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Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 16:35
I have a 1981 KZ440. I thought my float level was off because fuel was leaking out the overflow tube. I opened up the carbs and one of the overflow pipes is cracked right down the middle. The other has a small hole. Is there any way to fix this? Is it even possible to find new bowls? I read online about someone soldering the crack, will that really work safely? Thanks.
Brett
Brett
80/81 KZ440 frankenstein
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- KZJOE900
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 16:43
Some people put a piece snug fitting tubing over it. Seems the easiest way. Myself, I took suggestion from here and soldered it. Seems more permanent IMHO.
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Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
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- Brett0424
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 17:03
What are the steps for soldering it? Thanks so much that's exactly what mine looks like.
80/81 KZ440 frankenstein
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- Patton
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 17:04
Or JBWeld.
Or heat shrink tubing.
Good Fortune!
Or heat shrink tubing.
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- 650ed
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 17:15
No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI would just replace the bowl. Be sure to get the correct one:
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- baldy110
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 17:24
JB weld is good stuff but does not stand up to direct exposure to gasoline. It will eventually break down.
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- testarossa
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 17:42
I soldered mine and it held up just fine. The main thing is to get everything very clean and dry before you solder. You probably need to use a small butane torch. I don't know if an electric gun will work.
1978 KZ1000 A2 Click--->Build Thread
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2004 ZX-10R
2007 Harley Sportster 1200
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Angola, IN
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- Brett0424
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 19:28
I have a torch. Is there any special solder I need? Should I flux first?
Thanks again
Thanks again
80/81 KZ440 frankenstein
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- JR
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 20:05 - 27 Mar 2012 20:11
I got thin brass tubing at a hobby store. Cut the right length, slipped it over the existing tube and soldered all around the bottom using electrical cored solder, the type that has the flux built in. That was 7 or 8 years ago.
I used a soldering iron usually used for electrical. Worked fine. I have never used a torch but would suggest being carefull not to melt the bowl which is made of cheap pot metal.
I used a soldering iron usually used for electrical. Worked fine. I have never used a torch but would suggest being carefull not to melt the bowl which is made of cheap pot metal.
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Last edit: 27 Mar 2012 20:11 by JR.
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 20:46
elc probable ok deepens on heat ,watts of gun and it never hurts to use flux makes solder flow better the key word is flow good luck not that hard .ps cleaner is better
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- Brett0424
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 22:32
So I torched it and soldered it, took a while to get it right, then when I went to sand down some excess solder the tube was so flimsy it broke off. Called a local shop and he said they have tons of used ones, I'll pick them up tomorrow. When I bought this bike one of these overflow ports was plugged and one was vented but the hose was stuck up real high, now I know why. I'm wondering if that could have been part of my idle issues. If your float level is in check do these things need to vent, could you run with them just plugged? I promise I'll stop asking questions after this.
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- KZJOE900
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Re: Overflow pipe crack
27 Mar 2012 22:40 - 27 Mar 2012 22:41
You don't want to run them plugged up. If you do, and your float needle gets stuck open, then the only place the fuel has to go is into your cylinders and then crankcase from there on. You will then have contaminated oil which will need to be replaced. You should always have these overflows working properly and shut off the petcock when the bike is parked as well.
Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
Last edit: 27 Mar 2012 22:41 by KZJOE900.
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