Adjusting float height, do I trust the clear tube test or the recommended height

[jimbo98]

There have been a lot of issues with my 2001 GS500, and I'm slowly tackling them. I want to get this darn float height set correctly once and for all, but the problem is that what works using the clear tube test does not fit the recommended setting of 14.6mm +/- 1mm. So, when I first went to adjust the float height, I used a gauge to measure the proper distance from the gasket interface and I bent the tang just so it was around 14mm, within spec. But now when I do the clear tube test, the fuel level in the bowl is significantly below the gasket line. When I bend the tang to readjust the float height such that it levels out correctly with the clear tube test, the resulting gauge height is something like 12mm or even less. Is this ok?

[tobyd]

Does the level get close to the join between the body and the float bowl? That's about the right level.



that isn't too far off ideal and certainly good enough.

Of course, thats a '98 2 jet carb so if yours is the newer 3 jet model that picture might be unhelpful.

[jimbo98]

Does the level get close to the join between the body and the float bowl? That's about the right level.

...

that isn't too far off ideal and certainly good enough.

Of course, thats a '98 2 jet carb so if yours is the newer 3 jet model that picture might be unhelpful.

Yes I am able to bend the tang and then using the clear tube my level is pretty close to the join between the body and bowl, maybe a tiny bit low but pretty close like your picture. My main concern is that even though the clear tube level is correct, the measured distance of the float height is about 11.5mm using calipers, but I've read that this height is supposed to be 14.6mm +/- 1mm. Is that ok, or should I buy new floats because the tang and plastic might have been messed with too much by previous owner?

[Meukowi]

Does the level get close to the join between the body and the float bowl? That's about the right level.

...

that isn't too far off ideal and certainly good enough.

Of course, thats a '98 2 jet carb so if yours is the newer 3 jet model that picture might be unhelpful.

Yes I am able to bend the tang and then using the clear tube my level is pretty close to the join between the body and bowl, maybe a tiny bit low but pretty close like your picture. My main concern is that even though the clear tube level is correct, the measured distance of the float height is about 11.5mm using calipers, but I've read that this height is supposed to be 14.6mm +/- 1mm. Is that ok, or should I buy new floats because the tang and plastic might have been messed with too much by previous owner?

try out them both by driving the vehicle, start off with the proper measurement of the tang, if it rocks and goes, keep that float height

[Kilted1]

I trust what the tube shows me is the actual fuel level in the carb bowls.  The measurement of float height is just a static setting that should result in correct fuel level but can be effected by many things.  I'll go with direct observation over extrapolation any day.