So...maybe I'm retarded. I've read hundreds of posts on adjusting the float height and most people just jab the tab with their finger, pop the carbs back and go from there. Sorta a trial and error method. Other people measure which seems to be more accurate. I'd like to measure the float height on my carbs but I really don't know how and the Haynes manual doesn't really explain it well enough for me to understand. I'm sure it's VERY easy once you know how to do it but difficult to explain. I quote Haynes Manual
"hold the carbs so the float hangs down, then tilt it back until the needle valve is just seated, but not so far that the needle's spring loaded tip is compressed. Measure the height of the bottom of the float above the gasket face with an accurate ruler." etc etc
ok I get you hold the carbs so the float hangs, as if they were on the bike. The part I don't get is tilt it back so the needle is just seated but spring loaded tip isn't compressed. That's what gets me. I see no spring therefore I don't know how far back to lean the carbs. Once I figure out how far the needle should be in the hold THEN I can take an accurate measurement....upside down (best done with two people I assume). Can someone clarify that part for me? Thanks
:bowdown: :bowdown:
I guess they mean to hold the carb horizontal, with the float hanging down from its hinge, so 90° rotated from its usual position. Then rotate until the needle gets pressed in its seat, but not with much force.
I never do it that way, because, as you say, there is just the tab that you are bending that acts a little bit like a spring; I just turn the carb upside down, press the frame of the flaoat into its seat, let the needle seat itself under the full weight of the float and measure like that.
The spring is in the float needle. There is a sliver tip that will push in which the float tab pushes against.
Also, I made a cardboard gauge to set the float height. Just cut it out to go around the float.
The pic in the Haynes manual seems to clarify the part you're asking about, but it's still kinda vague. I wasn't quite sure what they were measuring either.
This is the main thing I still need to do to my bike. The mileage is crap, and I read some past threads and saw that high floats can cause it. I checked using Kerry's hose loop technique, and sure enough, the left float is WAY high, and the right is a little high. Now I have to disassemble and take the carbs off. Not something I'm looking forward to. Can you just take the float bowls off the bottom of the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of them? The haynes manual doesn't really address JUST wanting to adjust the floats. It does it as part of carb reassembly.
You can do that, but then it's definitely trial and error.
Quote from: Admiral Crunch on August 15, 2006, 01:56:12 PM
Can you just take the float bowls off the bottom of the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of them?
Yes, but the carbs still need to be pulled from the engine to accurately measure the floats. That's the annoying part; removing the plastic / tank / airbox / throttle and choke cables. Disassembling the carbs is relatively simple and straightforward.
-M
Admiral crunch - You CAN do it by just removing the floats and leaving the carbs.
I would recommend removing the carbs, I mean how much WORK is it really?
But if you insist. you can remove and adjust then check and readjust. each time having to flood the bowls with fuel.
Not too big of an issue, just have a cup and small hose available to drain into. (same hose used to check float height).
I would also recommend you replace the gasket, but we all know if your not gonna go through the trouble of removing the carbs....your not gonna buy the rebuilt kit either.
Do not use silicon base sealers(RTV) on that gasket as they react to the gas and gum up. You really shouldn't need any sealant at all, it is a rubber gasket and if its in good condition should hold up well.
Again, I would recommend you pull the carbs and do it right, but if you insist.....
good luck :thumb:
You can check the float easily without pulling the carbs using Kerry's method (http://www.bbburma.net/FloatHeight.htm).
Sorry, I meant can you take just the floats off the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of the carbs? I'm definitely taking the carbs off the bike. Although when I do this, I'm also going to replace the stock screws with allen-head ones as some people here have recommended. That way, doing it on the bike may be an option in the future.
I have a K&N filter that clamps straight to the carbs, so at least that part will be simpler. The biggest pain to me are the throttle/choke cables. I hate messing with those for some reason. The rest is pretty easy.
Quote from: Admiral Crunch on August 15, 2006, 06:14:29 PM
Sorry, I meant can you take just the floats off the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of the carbs? I'm definitely taking the carbs off the bike. Although when I do this, I'm also going to replace the stock screws with allen-head ones as some people here have recommended. That way, doing it on the bike may be an option in the future.
I have a K&N filter that clamps straight to the carbs, so at least that part will be simpler. The biggest pain to me are the throttle/choke cables. I hate messing with those for some reason. The rest is pretty easy.
The K&N Lunchbox really helps with taking the carbs off. Today I also replaced my screws with allen heads. When you goto Home Depot make sure you get 5mm X 12mm allen heads. That's what I got and they fit perfectly.
Quote from: tussey on August 15, 2006, 06:41:43 PM
When you goto Home Depot make sure you get 5mm X 12mm allen heads. That's what I got and they fit perfectly.
Thanks!
Quote from: Admiral Crunch on August 15, 2006, 06:14:29 PM
Sorry, I meant can you take just the floats off the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of the carbs?
Sure. Just unscrew the float bowls and take the covers off. What more would you need to do?
Quote from: Admiral Crunch on August 15, 2006, 06:14:29 PM
Sorry, I meant can you take just the floats off the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of the carbs? I'm definitely taking the carbs off the bike. Although when I do this, I'm also going to replace the stock screws with allen-head ones as some people here have recommended. That way, doing it on the bike may be an option in the future.
I have a K&N filter that clamps straight to the carbs, so at least that part will be simpler. The biggest pain to me are the throttle/choke cables. I hate messing with those for some reason. The rest is pretty easy.
Yes, just remove the float bowls and you have access to the floats. The aftermarket filter makes the whole ordeal
much easier. I really hate wrestling with the bulky stock airbox. I've found that it's easier to remove the throttle cable at the grip end and just leave it attached to the carbs. Be sure to note how it's routed though. The choke cable is pretty easy to remove/install at the carbs.
-M
Quote from: aaronstj on August 15, 2006, 07:36:31 PM
Quote from: Admiral Crunch on August 15, 2006, 06:14:29 PM
Sorry, I meant can you take just the floats off the carbs without disassembling any of the rest of the carbs?
Sure. Just unscrew the float bowls and take the covers off. What more would you need to do?
+1 on the money. O0