New float bowl gaskets. Leaks

I just put a new set of float bowl gaskets on a 78 Kz1000 and they seem to leak. Has anybody ever had problems with new float bowl gaskets? Do they need doubling up? :huh: :blink:

Post edited by: kwakagoose, at: 2007/10/11 19:33

My new gaskets leaked too, after they soak up some gas try snugging them up again. Kinda like retorqing headgaskets. Worked for me...

I had this too! My old ones were still in decent shape so put them back in and no more leaks. The new ones that were leaking were not Kaw gaskets so that may have had something to do with it...

Please delete this post.
Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 21:20

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:14

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Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 21:21

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:15

In previous postings ---

Jeff Saunders wrote:

One problem I've seen on several sets of these old carbs is where previous owners have overtightened the float bowl screws and distorted the carb body - essentially pulling the corners of the float bowl mount area downwards - often a visual look will see the corners slightly bent downwards.

In cases like this, the gasket can't easily do it's job - I know a couple of customers have double-gasketed the float bowl in an attempt to stem the weeping.


And baldy110 wrote:

I've worked on several carbs with the bent float bowl corners. I could never get the bowls to seal. I placed the bowls upside down on on open vice and lightly tapped the bottom with a hard plastic hammer. They slowly bent the corners back. They sealed after that.

---

Sometimes a leaking fuel pipe joint is mistaken for a float bowl gasket leak. Or leakage from a cracked or deteriorated fuel line, or loose fuel line connection.

Please delete this post.
Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 21:22

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:15

Please delete this post.
Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 21:36

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:15

kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlab...w/catid,3/id,140533/


kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlab...w/catid,3/id,140533/


Memo -- Sorry, have no idea why these links are failing.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 21:38

archaicbiker
Member
Posts: 24
Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/15 23:10
I cleaned and sync carbs and shes running pretty darn good. My problem is im getting some fuel seepage past the bowl gaskets even though they are new. Any tips/tricks etc to fix this problem?
Bensalem, PA
07 m109 "Shamu"
06 Katana 600 "Echo"
77 xs750 (looking for new home)
79 kz1000 (looking for new home)


Sandy
Member
Posts: 2382
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/15 23:26
Are You SURE that the fuel is coming from the BOWLS...and not the "T-Fittings" that join the carbs together,or the fuel-line t's?
The fuel will leak from those fittings,and build up on the bowls,making You think it's the bowls that are the culprits...be sure.


N0NB
Moderator
Posts: 2217
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/15 23:30
To add to Sandy's point, gas will follow all sorts of contours and obscure its point of origin.
I have used Teflon tape to improve the seal on those tee fittings which usually seem to become worn down over time due to movement.
Nate


Sandy
Member
Posts: 2382
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/15 23:41
Exactly what Nate said!
On My old 26mm carbs I was using,I too,used the teflon-tape and it worked like a charm for 2-3 seasons,before I switched to the 29mm carbs.


Patton
Member
Posts: 1483
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/16 01:07
If new fuel pipes are desired, they are available from Z1E -- fuel pipe


austin3119
Member
Posts: 457
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/16 02:27
Nice, I keep on wondering where the fuel is leaking on my 26's . I think I will pull them off and try the teflon tape.
I know this thread wasn't intended for me, but I think it is going to help me. Thanks.


Jeff.Saunders
Member
Posts: 438
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/16 06:28
One problem I've seen on several sets of these old carbs is where previous owners have overtightened the float bowl screws and distorted the carb body - essentially pulling the corners of the float bowl mount area downwards - often a visual look will see the corners slightly bent downwards.
In cases like this, the gasket can't easily do it's job - I know a couple of customers have double-gasketed the float bowl in an attempt to stem the weeping.
jeff@z1enterprises.com . . . . www.z1enterprises.com/?source=kzrider . . . . Upstate NY


baldy110
Member
Posts: 224
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/16 12:27
I've worked on several carbs with the bent float bowl corners. I could never get the bowls to seal. I placed the bowls upside down on on open vice and lightly tapped the bottom with a hard plastic hammer. They slowly bent the corners back. They sealed after that.


archaicbiker
Member
Posts: 24
Re:Carb bowl fuel seepage - 2007/05/16 22:50
Thanks for all the replys. The tees looked almost new but I will check them anyway. Its more likely the bent corner thing since the screws were so tight and they were leaking around the bowl when I took them apart. I guess I shoulda checked it out while I had them apart. I took my time cleaning and setting the carbs but got excited when it was time to put the bowls on and fire her up. She runs really good now, I just hate to take her back down but I cant have my son riding a fire hazard. Thanks for the help!

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:10

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/10/11 22:12

I have the bowl gaskets we used manufactured for us. The correct paper MUST be used. I have purchased gaskets in the past that were cut using the wrong paper... this usually means that the paper is too thin. The seller does this because the thinner paper is cheaper. The thinner gaskets LEAK. If you have this type leak, double gasket to stop the leak. The small screws that hold the bowl shouldn't be over-tightened... This usually will not stop leaking anyway.

Anybody considered using an old gasket as a template and cutting some new ones from thick cork gasket material? They don't look like they'd be all that difficult. I've done it with outboard carbs before.