Ok,,I'm stumped on setting float height

[rockadoo]

Hi again!
This just seem to be a never ending cluster foxtrot.  I tested the float height by using  clear aquarium air tubing and my left carb was way off. I dont have a manual (can't read one anyway) but I consider myself a pretty good wrench and have set the floats on plenty of Bendix, Kehin and S&S carbs without removing the carb from the engine. I have a parts breakdown in front of me of the GS carbs.(whata crappy picture) ..Can the tab that holds the needle valve be adjusted? It looks like it's attached at both ends to that plastic float assembly. Of course I'm looking at it with a mirror and flashlight from above. Can I remove the floats by pushing the pin thru where it pivots..if that is a pin!  What holds the piece that holds the floats up into the carb?..Everything looks like brittle plastic
I admit it, I'm stumped

[Kerry]

Your "nemesis" when it comes to removing the floats is item #17 in this diagram.  It's simply a small O-ring!  Pull down gently on the "vertical  tube" part of the float assembly just below the O-ring in the diagram.  It will come right out.

[rockadoo]

There's no pulling down gently on this float assembly. I think someone superglued it in!!! :x  Seriously though, assuming I can get this out of the carb. What's the trick to adjusting the float height? I looked at the rebuild carb article..I'll keep my opinions to myself so's not to offend anyone, but it sure would be nice if it was a little more detailed. At this point I'm about ready to just buy a few extra hot plugs and just run it.
signed,
frustrated

[Kerry]

Hmmm, not sure which one is "the rebuild carb article".  Do you have a link so we can see how much detail is not enough?  :dunno:

You said that you

have set the floats on plenty of Bendix, Kehin and S&S carbs without removing the carb from the engine

That's cool, but I have only adjusted the float height on one engine, and only in one way - like the (Haynes) manual says.  So that's the only kind of experience I can speak from.  (Anyone else?)

If you care to try it the same way, remove the carbs after all and work through steps 6 and 7 on  this page from the Haynes manual.  The distance you need to measure (see Figure 9.7) should be 14.6 mm +/- 1.0 mm.  (So, between 13.6mm and 15.6mm.)  The trickiest part is deciding on the right spot in the swing at which to take the measurement, and then actually TAKING the measurement (if you're working alone).

Good Luck!  (And I apologize in advance if the information provided isn't "top quality"....)

EDIT: Changed link from sisna.com to bbburma.net

[rockadoo]

Kerry,
I was referring to the cleaning and rebuilding  carb article http://www.gstwin.com/carb_work.htm
It's much to generic . Besides my personal tolerance level with what I call stupid engineering is about shot. I think all automotive engineers should have to work as a tech for 5 years before being allowed to design anything. Maybe then they'd design things with simplicity and ease of
maintenance in mind.
Now back to the carb.. I tried to remove the float assembly, but I'm afraid if i pull down on it any harder something is going to break. The local Suzuki dealer is 15 miles away and will order it ..it should be here by summers end!
Looking at the page you just sent . In illustration 9.6a , where the  arrow points to the o-ring. Is there something attached to that piece, or is that fitting over something that goes up into the carb itself? I dont understand why I can't just pull the float assembly out. On a "normal carb" the float would be hinged to a stationary part of the carb. all that would be needed is to remove the pivot pin drop out the floats, bend the tab that holds the needle  so as to change the point to which the float rises and seats the needle..as I say simplicitiy..leave it to the Japs to make it a hassle
Thanks for your help, it's nice to have a place to vent my frustration

[rockadoo]

Well, I got it out !!! Now I can see how to adjust the needle and without removing the float next time. I was so frustrated trying to put the float back in I had to call a workmate to give me a hand. What a royal pain this carb is. Between using the float check via tubing method and seeing where the needle  tab is attached I can honestly say all that needs to be done is give the tab a tweak,from the airbox side of the tab( which I couldnt see without taking the float out) either up or down, install the bowl, check via the tubing, repeat if necessary.

While I was waiting for my buddy to show up I took apart the SU carbs on my MG and cleaned and lubed them..they work great now...no hassles, no swearing...Sweet

[Kerry]

Glad to hear that it all came out OK.

Is there any chance that you can take pictures of the "on-bike" method of adjusting the float height?  

EDIT: Typo!