Float height conundrum

[RossLH]

Well I finally got some motivation to work on my bike again. Rejetted the carbs (125/40, 1 washer, 2.5 turns), put it all back together, and actually managed to ride the bike for a couple miles. I immediately noticed it wasn't making much power at all, but tried to ride it out. After a mile, I decided it wasn't good enough, turned around and went home.

A quick float inspection showed that the right float needle was stuck shut. I blew that out and it works fine. But when I checked the float heights, both floats, which were spot on before the rebuild, were both way too high. Bending the tab any higher would restrict the movement of the float needle.

Is it possible that the rejet caused a difference in float height, or do I just need new (OEM) float needles? It is worth noting they are K&L float needles, and I've heard questionable things about them.

[Paulcet]

Way too high... Like how much? A few mm is just an adjustment.  Something like 10mm + is an assembly error or bad needles or bad o-rings.  I found the float assembly to be a bit finicky to get seated correctly. If I got it wrong, I had fuel coming out the vent!

[RossLH]

Its a good 8-10mm on each side. Everything is seated pretty snug and the floats function just fine. The tabs are bent up pretty significantly, and as I said, any higher and the motion of the float needles will be restricted. I might just get some OEM needles and seats and get rid of the cheap K&L ones.

[bombsquad83]

I had the exact same issues with the K&L's.  Went with OEMs and they work perfectly.  This just confirms what I continue to preach to others on this board.  I feel bad for beating people over the head with it, but I'm just trying to help them avoid constant problems due to these crappy float needle sets.

[RossLH]

Yeah, I've seen you post about them before, but just kind of hoped it would never happen to me. Serves me right! 

Ordered the new float needles and o-rings from ronayers. Just have to install those, adjust the floats again, and synchronize the carbs....maybe this damn thing will finally be on the road.

[gilkeyb]

Silly question, but did you use regular engine (car) oil as opposed to motorcycle oil?  Could make shifting more difficult.

Outside of that i'd agree with the others that its clutch related.

Brian

[RossLH]

I think you missed your target there, buddy.