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tk 22 known casting issues?

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10 Jun 2021 09:07 #849954 by Ant_5445
tk 22 known casting issues? was created by Ant_5445
undefined Hey guys,
Been a while since i've been on here, my 81 gpz has been in the shop for months due to engine issues, got that all checked out (it was the timing). However now my mechanic is telling me that the tk22 carbs are leaking into the cylinder due to "casting issues". Is this a known issue with these carbs? He's telling me to shell out a lot of dough for mikuni's. How detrimental is this issue for my engine i.e diluting the oil? thanks.

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550

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10 Jun 2021 10:36 #849961 by 73z1
Replied by 73z1 on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
Turn gas off when you stop.
 

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10 Jun 2021 11:34 #849965 by Ant_5445
Replied by Ant_5445 on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
That's what i thought too however he keeps pushing me to buy the mikunis or something similar, saying that no matter what he does to the jets it'll always be rich due to this casting issue. 

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550

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10 Jun 2021 15:33 - 10 Jun 2021 15:37 #849984 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
I've been through many sets of these carbs and have never seen any "casting issues".  Can he be more specific?

The float valve assembly can be replaced as a unit and is sealed with a fiber washer.  That fiber washer should be able to seal most imperfections that typically show up.

Do you have a photo of the actual problem?

Also, if the fuel level is high enough to leak into the intake port of the head, then it's also so high that the overflow drains should be pissing out gasoline like crazy.  Is that happening?  If not then the drains are clogged or the problem is not the fuel level...more likely a jetting issue or using jets or needles from a counterfeit Chinese source.  Those are a known cause of overly rich conditions.  

The details can be found on the Tk22 website.
s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...TK22rebuildKits.html

s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/TK22mainPage/TK2...K22threeNeedles.html
Last edit: 10 Jun 2021 15:37 by loudhvx.

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12 Jun 2021 14:35 #850074 by Ant_5445
Replied by Ant_5445 on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
He’s saying that the casting is so porous that it’s absorbing the fuel or something like that and it’s just unmetered fuel I have no idea when it comes to carbs and he’s been rebuilding these types of bikes for 40+ years, drag racing them ect. He’s very knowledgeable so I guess I’m just taking his word for it but I figured Id come on here and get your guys opinion as well. Also saying no mater what he does to the jets it’s just not going to work. Don’t know really what other direction to go with this… IF I go aftermarket, what carbs have the same spacing as the 550 head? 

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550

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  • Nessism
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12 Jun 2021 15:00 #850078 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
Sounds like BS to me.  I've rebuilt scads of carbs and the only issues I've ever seen related to the carb body have been corrosion or damage in some way.

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12 Jun 2021 23:45 #850099 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
There is no simpler or more reliable set of carbs for a Kz550.  Get another set if you think yours are defective, but like i said if the drain system is working properly, they will be pissing gas onto the floor before raw gas goes into the cylinder.  TK castings are generally very good.  If it has some severe pitting or the like, then it is from a condition issue rather than actual manufacturing defect.  You should be able to find replacement bodies on Ebay.

Later TK carbs are CV type and much more of a headache to tune properly.  They will also require modifications to make them fit.

Mikuni or Keihin made a set that would fit, but are generally for racing and might not work too nicely for a street bike.

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  • hardrockminer
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13 Jun 2021 04:46 #850102 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic tk 22 known casting issues?
I have a set of TK22 carbs on my wife's KZ550 LTD.  They work fine but I don't like the stock high idle setup.  Loudhvx has a fix for that on his website.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
The following user(s) said Thank You: loudhvx

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