More fuel supply problems

First off, let me say that you all have been a HUGE help in getting my KZ550 up and running.

I finally got my bike running last week and went for a shakedown run. When I got back I noticed that the 4th carb was leaking fuel, from the overflow obviously. I'm trying to determine what exactly the problem is, since I believe I actually have two.

Yesterday I decided to try to figure out whether my fuel valve is leaking and needs rebuilt or whether the float valve on carb 4 needs adjusted. First thing I did was drained all of the carbs and let it set overnight. I just went out there (~16 hours later) and drained the carbs again. This leads me to believe that my fuel valve needs rebuilt.

Now, I'm figuring that since only one of the carbs is leaking that the float valve on that carb also needs cleaned/adjusted.

So, which would be better off fixed? The fuel valve doesn't leak very fast at all, since when I disconnected the fuel line to the carbs there was no gas coming out of the valve. If I get the 4th carbs float valve adjusted is such a small leak from the fuel valve a major issue?

The only reason I ask this is, like with most projects, its quite a bit over budget. I've got around $1300-1400 (I've lost track at this point) in this bike that blue books for less than $1000. I really don't mind putting money into the bike if I can get everything sorted out, but I'm just afraid this is going to be a black hole into which I keep pouring money.

The carb problem could probably be fixed for no money at all. Just remove the float bowl, then the float and needle and seat and clean the needle and seat. Check the pointed end of the needle for damage. If its bad/damaged you will have to replace it.

A cotton Q-tip and some metal polish will remove the crud from the seat. Spin the Q-tip with your fingers,followed by a Q-tip with ribbing alcohol as a rinse, re-assemble and try again.

Metal polish should be available at auto parts stores. Flitz,and semichrome are two good ones and I'd imagine s chrome polish would work too.

Got the 4th carb fixed. I think the problem may have been some of the old gasket that I missed. I ended up going over the rim of the carb bowl again and removing every bit of gasket I could, then I went ahead and polished the needle valve (Brasso from Home Depot worked pretty well). Went for a 25 mile ride today with no leaking. Now all I gotta do is fix my poor throttle response and I'll be set.

I've had poor throttle response from my wife for years so let me know if you have any tips.

I'm guessing she doesn't read the forums, does she?

For some strange reason she did tonight. Hasn't been any plate throwing at my house so I'm guessing she missed this one.