Rubber tip float needles vs stock

I have some gas dripping from one overflow outlet and I found some "PO Boy" carb kits with bowl gaskets and float needles on Ebay. The needles have a rubber tip, and I was wondering if anyone has switched to those needles and if they will work. Or could more cleaning be all I need? Thanks!

Could be that the tang is worn on the float where it hits needle. Has happend to me.

If the gas you're using contains Ethanol(most do), the rubber tips will be affected. Read this:


Ethanol In Gasoline Problems (E-10,E-15,E-20 &E-85)

Certain materials commonly used with gasoline may be incompatible with high-level ethanol blends, causing them to degrade and contaminate the fuel. Metals that have been shown to degrade over time in the presence of high-level alcohol blends include brass,(floats & jets) lead, zinc(carb bodies) and lead-based solder.

Nonmetallic materials that degrade when in contact with ethanol include natural rubber, polyurethane, cork gasket material, leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polyamides, and certain thermoplastic or thermoset polymers.

1. Ethanol can break down resins and fillers in fiberglass gas tanks, causing them to leak.

2. Resins leached from fiberglass tanks can go through the fuel system, sticking to valves and other internal engine parts.

3.These deposits have caused bent pushrods and have clogged intake valves.

4.The alcohol attracts water, leading to increased corrosion in metal gas tanks.

5.Water in the fuel affects the octane and leads to knocking and decreased performance.


6.Ethanol acts as an efficient solvent, gradually cleaning out the accumulated gunk in fuel tanks and lines, and clogging carburetors.

7. Certain rubber gaskets and fuel lines are weakened by ethanol. Some rubber fuel lines may develop internal swelling, restricting the flow of gasoline. My understanding is the Silicone fuel lines resist the effects of Ethanol in gas.

8. The Ethanol in the gas has been reported to attack the glue used in gas filters, rendering them useless, as the paper filter medium is now coated with glue. It also softened the filter hose connection ends, causing possible failure.

peter1958 wrote: Could be that the tang is worn on the float where it hits needle. Has happend to me.

Very true. I try to hit the tang with a tiny wire wheel or sandpaper to buff out the rough spot worn in from the needle pin.