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81 LTD 550 float bowls
- kurtg
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20 Sep 2014 10:49 #648179
by kurtg
81 LTD 550 float bowls was created by kurtg
After getting the carbs back on the bike it started up fairly quickly and settled in to i nice idle with a few adjustments. after a couple minutes gas started coming out of the overflow for cylinder #1 at a steady flow.there was also a slow drip on #2.
Pulled the carbs to check the float needles and seat. They looked fairly new, but i ordered 4 rebuild kits anyway. Installed the new parts last night. set float height at 18mm from gasket surface, put carbs in my vice, held level and attached the tank. Held the tank up on prime to fill the bowls. Carb #1 and #2 started leaking from the overflow. #3 and #4 were fine.
Rechecked float height and put the bowls from #1 and #2 on 3 and 4. And the bowls from #3 and #4 on #1 and #2. Refilled bowls and the leaks moved to 3 and 4. What are the odds of having two float bowls with cracked overflow pipes? Any one have any ideas?
Pulled the carbs to check the float needles and seat. They looked fairly new, but i ordered 4 rebuild kits anyway. Installed the new parts last night. set float height at 18mm from gasket surface, put carbs in my vice, held level and attached the tank. Held the tank up on prime to fill the bowls. Carb #1 and #2 started leaking from the overflow. #3 and #4 were fine.
Rechecked float height and put the bowls from #1 and #2 on 3 and 4. And the bowls from #3 and #4 on #1 and #2. Refilled bowls and the leaks moved to 3 and 4. What are the odds of having two float bowls with cracked overflow pipes? Any one have any ideas?
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- 650ed
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20 Sep 2014 11:34 - 20 Sep 2014 11:34 #648182
by 650ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Replied by 650ed on topic 81 LTD 550 float bowls
It's easy to check. Pull the bowls in question and fill them while not on the carbs. You should be able to tell if the overflow pipes are the cause of the leak. You can use alcohol for the test to reduce the possibility of fire. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 20 Sep 2014 11:34 by 650ed.
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- loudhvx
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20 Sep 2014 12:57 #648191
by loudhvx
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
Replied by loudhvx on topic 81 LTD 550 float bowls
There are two orings on the bowl screw valve. I assume you replaced those, if not, you may want to.
You can do Ed's test to confirm it's not the floats or float valve. Unfortunately, if you are in an area with heavy ethanol use, you may have cracked overflow tubes... becoming a much more common thing. Guys with brass floats are really suffereing.
You can do Ed's test to confirm it's not the floats or float valve. Unfortunately, if you are in an area with heavy ethanol use, you may have cracked overflow tubes... becoming a much more common thing. Guys with brass floats are really suffereing.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- kurtg
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20 Sep 2014 13:22 #648193
by kurtg
Replied by kurtg on topic 81 LTD 550 float bowls
Yup, o-rings were replaced. Both bowls that are leaking have cracked tubes. I used rubbing alcohol to check for leaks, With a flashlight I was able to see the cracks down the side, especially compared to the ones that don't leak.
Any one successfully repair these?
Any one successfully repair these?
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- JR
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20 Sep 2014 17:06 #648206
by JR
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
Replied by JR on topic 81 LTD 550 float bowls
I've done it on a bowl off one of the Keihin CV34 carbs on my 750/4.
I took the bowl to a hobby shop and found a brass tube with an ID just wide enough to fit over the existing brass overflow tube. Cut the new tube to length, slipped it over the existing brass overflow tube and soldered the bottom where it met the pot metal of the bowl. JB Weld will work also - just make sure you let it cure either overnight or 24 hours. Cant remember which - if all else fails read instructions.
I dont know if your bowls/overflows are much different
I took the bowl to a hobby shop and found a brass tube with an ID just wide enough to fit over the existing brass overflow tube. Cut the new tube to length, slipped it over the existing brass overflow tube and soldered the bottom where it met the pot metal of the bowl. JB Weld will work also - just make sure you let it cure either overnight or 24 hours. Cant remember which - if all else fails read instructions.
I dont know if your bowls/overflows are much different
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
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