- Posts: 124
- Thank you received: 0
Fuel Tank, Carb Problem? HELP!
- speedadict
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- rstnick
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 4373
- Thank you received: 377
Also the float should raise and close the Float valve (or whatever it's called) to close and stop the flow of fuel.
Sounds like you may have a problem with both your fuel petcock and float valve in that carb.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- BSKZ650
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 2064
- Thank you received: 14
77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thank you received: 2098
Fuel flows from the petcock into the carb through a small hole in the float needle seat and from there on into the float bowl. The fuel level inside the float bowl is regulated by the float which has a tab (an adjustable tab) that presses up against the float needle as the float rises and pushes the needle into the seat thereby closing the hole and stopping the flow of fuel into the bowl as the fuel level reaches the correct level.
A tiny sometimes imperceptible piece of grit or crud between the needle and the seat may prevent the needle from closing off the hole in the seat which then allows fuel to keep on running into the bowl and consequently overflow through the overflow nipples from bottom of the bowl. (A worn out tip on the float needle has the same result due to its inability and failure to close the hole in the seat).
Often, a good cleaning of the needle and seat will cure the problem. Remember each needle is matched to its particular seat, so do not mix and match. (This is why both needle and seat, when replacement is necessary, should be replaced together as a matched pair).
The overflow may be coming from one or more float bowls. And exactly which float bowls are leaking should be first determined so you'll know which carb needs attention to the float needle-seat area.
If there's crud in the float needle-seat area, it's likely other places inside the carb as well. Which suggests need for a complete cleaning of all the carbs (and beyond the topic of this thread).
While a properly operating petcock will stop fuel flow into the carbs, it does not cure the carb problem. Sometimes a petcock repair kit works -- sometimes not.
At the least, install a new in-line fuel filter, and it might help to cross your fingers and add some "carb cleaner" additive to the fuel in the tank.
Good luck.
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- speedadict
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 124
- Thank you received: 0
Thanks for the in depth reply. I will see what I can do.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- JimatMilkyWay
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 285
- Thank you received: 12
Boy,,, did I learn _that_ one, replacing needle _AND_ seat as a set that is, the hard way.Likely the float itself is just fine and needs no adjustment.... Remember each needle is matched to its particular seat, so do not mix and match. (This is why both needle and seat, when replacement is necessary, should be replaced together as a matched pair)....
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- JR
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- Posts: 2937
- Thank you received: 448
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thank you received: 2098
Depends on the carb. The float needle seats on my Keihins are not removable. I can only replace the needles themselves.
Believe JR is absolutely right about Keihin float needle seats being not removable. Believe Keihin seats are pressed into the carb body (not screwed in like Mikuni). Always thinking Mikuni:blush:.
If float needle has a pointed rubber tip, check it carefully for any imperfection that would impair its precise fitment in the seat.
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- JR
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- Posts: 2937
- Thank you received: 448
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- jeffreygp
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 40
- Thank you received: 2
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thank you received: 2098
...replaced the petcock.Didnt install a fuel filter coz the petcock had a built in one.
The OEM non-vacuum petcocks came with a small removeable screen filter in place above the sediment cup, and with screens on the fuel pickup tubes inside the tank. Believe the vacuum style petcocks came with larger screening on the intakes without the sediment cup arrangement. Would guess either style works okay for a while. But IMO accessory inline filters should also be used because they are cheap, allegedly more efficient than petcock screens, and easy to install.
Have no proof of inline filters being more efficient than the petcock screens, just an understanding.
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- JR
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
- Posts: 2937
- Thank you received: 448
.
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.