I'm running lean and my float heights are off...

[w00derson]

So I pulled my plugs today and they were a little white. So I adjusted my fuel screws another (roughly) 1/4 turn out on each carb. This is correct, right? I figure more fuel to richen the mixture is what I need, but is there something else I should do?



Also, I checked my float heights today using the clear tube on the float bowl drain method. On the left carb, the fuel rose roughly 1/4" higher than the float bowl gasket. On the right carb, the fuels was roughly 1/4" below the float bowl gasket. What problems can this cause and what is the best/easiest way to adjust them?

[beRto]

The carburetor float heights affect fuel mixture. Because your float heights are off, you should fix them before making other mixture adjustments.

Float height adjustments are easiest if the carbs are removed from the bike (although I have heard of people doing this with the carbs still installed).

You need to remove the float bowls from the carb and measure the current float height (using calipers are a small ruler). Bend the tab as required to get the float height in spec:

[w00derson]

Assuming it isn't running lean, how bad is it to run it like I mentioned? I'm might not be able to get to it until next weekend.

[The Buddha]

1/4 inch ... OK I'd say < 1 mm is a non issue, more = bad, I shoot for under 1mm when setting them. You're at 6.5mm Yea big problem. If its really that far off, just set them equal and then test.
Cool.
Buddha.

[w00derson]

So I decided to make time today to tear my carbs back apart. Bending these little tabs sucks! I've got one of my float heights set to 37/64" (.057", I dont have a small metric ruler). I can't get the tab on the other carb bent right to make the float within spec. Its really annoying me.

[beRto]

So I decided to make time today to tear my carbs back apart. Bending these little tabs sucks! I've got one of my float heights set to 37/64" (.057", I dont have a small metric ruler). I can't get the tab on the other carb bent right to make the float within spec. Its really annoying me.

How close can you get the float height to the spec value?

Are you setting the height at the point where the float are is just in contact with the needle valve? (i.e. you should not be forcing the needle valve in)

[w00derson]

I'm using the factory service manual. It just says to invert the carb and measure from the highest point on the float to the gasket surface. They spec .57" +/- .04. So, I would assume that with the carbs inverted, the float needle is resting where it should be to give me an accurate measurement. On the side I'm having trouble with, I cant get the height close to enough to be close to spec. I'm taking a break right now and hopefully I'll be able to get it easier when I go back out there.

[beRto]

I'm using the factory service manual. It just says to invert the carb and measure from the highest point on the float to the gasket surface. They spec .57" +/- .04. So, I would assume that with the carbs inverted, the float needle is resting where it should be to give me an accurate measurement. On the side I'm having trouble with, I cant get the height close to enough to be close to spec. I'm taking a break right now and hopefully I'll be able to get it easier when I go back out there.

This picture I posted is from the factory manual. It say to measure the height when "the float arm is just in contact with the needle valve." I think you may have to lift the float to meet this condition.

[w00derson]

I'm using the factory service manual. It just says to invert the carb and measure from the highest point on the float to the gasket surface. They spec .57" +/- .04. So, I would assume that with the carbs inverted, the float needle is resting where it should be to give me an accurate measurement. On the side I'm having trouble with, I cant get the height close to enough to be close to spec. I'm taking a break right now and hopefully I'll be able to get it easier when I go back out there.

This picture I posted is from the factory manual. It say to measure the height when "the float arm is just in contact with the needle valve." I think you may have to lift the float to meet this condition.

I just noticed and read that. I've been doing it wrong. I just read the float heigh check in the Haynes manual and the description is much more clear. Back out there we go. I just wasted hours on a beautiful day 

[w00derson]

Well, I got them adjusted, correctly. When I went to pull the hose off of the reserve nipple on the tank petcock, the nipple was stuck in the line. Pulled rightout of the petcock. So, I mared the nipple up trying to get it out of the line. I finally got it, but now the petcock is seeping gas from that nipple. It was dripping before, but not like this. Looks like I'm going to need a new petcock. Its allllllways something.

[The Buddha]

Yea those hoses get stuck to the nipple. I have smoothed them with 400 grit and fitted it back with rubber cement, and then wait for it to dry fully and then put it back in the bike. Important - everything needs to be nice and very very clean before doing this. You get some crap in there, rubber cement wont seal. I also have heard of people using JB weld. Just a tight fit and any gas resistant adhesive. With JB weld, leabe some of it outside the thing, as it squeezes out dont clean that part, it helps to have a lot of it and in the tight fit, you dont get any really, Its an adhesive, not a joint compound. So leaving it as it goops up outside = more adhesion.
Cool.
Buddha.

[w00derson]

You may recall I made a post about my reserve tube dripping from the inside.. So now not only is the petcock leaking down the tube, its leaking on the outside as well. I just found a petcock from an 07 tank on ebay for 40 shipped. I bought it just to have one on there that isn't 18 years old. So instead of trying to fix it like you said, I'll just have a new(er) one that should be in better condition. Thanks for the tip though, I may try to fix the old one just to have as a spare.

[The Buddha]

Send me the old one along with your tanks ... I'll do it freebie ...
Cool.
Buddha.