TOPIC:

Hey folks! So I have some questions for you! I adjusted my carb floats to factory. (18.6) didn’t want to run so I adjusted to 17.5 and it runs, seems to run great. But here’s the deal - I have oil leaking out of the muffler occasionally - than after that’s done I have a white smoke coming out or every crevice from the muffler. Is it gas? Oil ? I changed the oil just before the this and it still is happening. Also, I’m getting terrible gas mileage - like 20 miles and I’m at half a tank. Btw - it’s a 1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 shaft. I’m lost. Thank I’m advance!

does your oil smell like gasoline?

Yes it does 

You really need to set floats using the clear tube method, or using a glass clear bowl as described here. 

www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61368...g-fuel-level?start=0


Setting them with a measurement is too subjective to how much pressure is put on the float needle. Check the float needle it has a central pin that is spring loaded, it needs to move freely in order to set a float with consistent results. 

 

It is quite likely, especially if you do not know their history, that the carburetors need to be completely disassembled and carefully cleaned by soaking in a bucket of carburetor cleaner. The soft parts, orings and gaskets, should be replaced. The carbs will then need to be reassembled, reinstalled, and properly adjusted. Yes, it can be an intimidating job the first time, but it is one that classic motorcycle owners really should learn to do.
The factory service manual and the members here can walk you through it.

As TexasKZ said, "it can be an intimidating job the first time, but it is one that classic motorcycle owners really should learn to do."

Add valve-lash adjustment to your owner service list.  It's too bad, but not many shops are willing or able to deal with that these days.



 

Your oil may be diluted with gasoline. An overly rich mixture will have gas washing the oil off of your cylinder walls as the gas makes it's way to your crankcase (hence the oil smelling like gasoline).
This may lead to parts of the engine suffering wear from lack of lubrication.
You'll have to change your oil and filter as well as getting your fuel system adjusted properly.