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Float Levels

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Kendall, Apr 19, 2009.

  1. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    Good afternoon,

    I have a question for some of the carb experts. I dry set my float levels to the 17.5mm recommended height. all 4 look the same when the carb is upside down.

    However when i turn the carbs the correct way 1 out of 4 does not drop as low as the other 3. It is being held by the stopper, that hits the post where the float pin goes.

    My question is, is something bent wrong, or is this normal?

    I still have to check the liquid levels, was just curious before I started wasting gas.

    Here are some pics that might help.
     

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  2. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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    Here is what I found. The service manual called for 17mm from the gasket base. I read where others were setting their float heights at 21 to 21.5.

    My problem was that the floats were too low and were leaking back through the carb. I also had a float like yours that seemed to be 'grounding out'.

    I started taking various measurements and found that the lip around the carb was about 3mm. Hmmm... 17mm + 3mm gets you to 21mm from the actual carb base.

    So, that is where I ended setting my floats and they seem to be working fine. 17mm from the lip or 21mm from the base.

    Have you run any fluid through yours to see if they are leaking back through the carbs? They could be set a bit too low and what you are seeing is one grounding out similar to what I saw.

    Just a few thoughts based on what I saw. My floats were giving me problems until I understood the measurements better. There are some good pics on setting float heights on the site.
     
  3. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    I would make sure all four floats hang down the same distance. I'm thinking this would allow all the floats to rise the same amount when the bowls fill; coupled with the float needle adjustment, you get consistent fuel levels across the board.
     
  4. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    More important is the float level. If you measure the float level correctly. (with out the center pin in the float needle being depressed) Before you put them back on the bike. Set up some kind of jig that is level and square so you can fill the float bowls off of the bike. Put a clear tube on the bowl drain and open the screw. The level in the tube should be even with the washer under the float bowl screw. If you nail the float levels your bike will run like new. Too Low Lean Too High Rich It has to be right. I like Big Fitz's Idea of useing washer fluid to check the levels on his test bench.
     
  5. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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    Agree 100% with the washer fluid idea. That is what I used. You are bound to make some spills measuring the bowl levels, and it is a lot safer than spilling gas in the garage.
     
  6. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    Clear tube & fluid is the only sure fire way, I use gas, set up over a bowl or drip tray, it's messy & time consuming, but it also tells you if the float valves are shutting off.
     
  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    See? Told ya. REAL men use gasoline. Tell me you were smoking a cigar at the time, Wiz...

    Seriously, washer fluid is safer, or you can use mineral spirits. The idea is to use something less flammable than gas that won't cause issues if traces remain.

    The point is, all the static measuring in the world is just a starting point. The only true test is with fluid and clear tubing.
     
  8. Tman_74

    Tman_74 Member

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    Here is my stand. 3/4" pine, a couple of 3/4" emt clamps bent to hold on to the "choke" rail.( i know it is not a real choke)
     

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  9. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    That might have cleared something up, that boatload of Afgans that blew up off the coast of Australia, he was checking his float levels, with a cigar on. :)
     
  10. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Actually 17+3=20 AND it should be 17-3=14.

    It's 17.5 for Hitachi carburetors and 21.5 for the Mikuni carburetors on the 550.
     
  11. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    how far the floats hang down doesn't matter, the only time they get there is when you run out of gas
     
  12. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    Nice carb stand T
     
  13. tumbleweed_biff

    tumbleweed_biff Active Member

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    Well if they hang to low they might get kicked around ...

    The reasons to use washer fluid instead of gas:

    It's cheaper.
    It's easy to read due to its color.
    It is safer to handle.
    You don't have to breath the fumes.
    You can smoke your cigar while you are doing it.
     
  14. tumbleweed_biff

    tumbleweed_biff Active Member

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    I forgot to add ... the carb in the picture up top ... that Needle jet still looks like it needs a good clean ... I would think you would do that before worrying about float levels.

    And I love the pick of the carb hanger. That's a keeper!
     
  15. Tman_74

    Tman_74 Member

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    The beer is just to the left of the pic!!! MMMM beer and GAS!!!!
    Thanks MN-Maxims.
     
  16. blame_the_po

    blame_the_po Member

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    quick question ... when you're on PRI and fuel starts spilling out of one of your pod filters, you need to adjust/fix the floats ... correct?
     
  17. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Correct. The Vacuum fuel cock is a safety device to prevent burning the garage down when th floats/valves need adjustment or replacement.
     
  18. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    T-Man mmmmmmm Beer. Good Idea Calms the nerves when your working on these carbs.
     
  19. Tman_74

    Tman_74 Member

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    i have mine off 3 times now to set the float levels/ deal with a sticking float!!! The last time i had them off the DW told me to sell it, she thought i was going to loose it!!!! Why are they such a pain??? I still have some work to do!!!!
     
  20. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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    Tman, if you follow the same path I took, you only have to remove them one more time. It took me 4 times to get it right.

    The 4th time, I made a test tank, made a carb stand, and got some washer fluid and checked, checked, and re-checked before I put them back on.

    The floats were definitely a PITA.
     
  21. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    How often do these floats get out of whack?
     
  22. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    Once you get them set right, they should stay good 'till the next cleaning & if you have fitted an in line fuel filter, that could be a loooooong time.
     
  23. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    Where can I get a little one?
    Autozone only stocks the ones about 2 1 1/2 inches, I need a 1/2 ish one.

    I am thinking Napa?
     
  24. tumbleweed_biff

    tumbleweed_biff Active Member

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    A little one of what?
     
  25. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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  26. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    That is EXACTLY what I have now that came with the bike.
    Thanks Joe!

    Bit pricey... but now I have a part # to search on!
    Thanks.
     
  27. TheHound

    TheHound Active Member

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    dpawl,
    NAPA
    Mine didn't come with the spring clips but, it only cost $3.00.
     
  28. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    Or you can get them from me! For less. And I also offer the one with a 90-degree outlet pipe, which is really the best orientation to use on these bikes since the fuel outlet on the petcock heads straight back, the 90-degree output filter then turns the fuel flow back "towards" the cabrs, so that your rubber fuel line doesn't have to become twisted into a tight 180-degree bend......
     
  29. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    Ooooo Even better.

    No offense Lenny, but I just bought from you, so hush up. lol just kidding!

    Honestly, it's only $4 and I can pick it up tomorrow. So, sorry! lol. But when I do place another order with you, I'll have to get one of those 90s... how much? :D

    I should probably pickup some fuel line too... any suggestions? I would like clear this time around.
     
  30. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    $ 3.50. A bargain at twice the price........... :D

    P.S. name is Len, not Lenny!
     
  31. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    Ooo I think meez touched a nerv lol!

    Must be like calling my mom (Melanie), MEL. heh, she hates that, a lot!
    Or when people call me Douglas .... it's Doug. Douglas when 'daddy ain't happy at me' lol.

    Sorry ... ... ... Len!
     
  32. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    I found these at Oriely's auto parts for under $3
     

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  33. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    Ok back to my floats :)

    I built a stand, got it level, and measured my fuel levels.

    They are a bit low so do I increase the 17.5mm or decrease it to raise bowl level?

    I am thinking decrease with it being upside down. Just wanting to be sure before i redo it 20 or 30 times.

    here are some pics.
     

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  34. JoeFriday77

    JoeFriday77 Member

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    Bending the float away from the carb body lowers the float level. Bending the float toward the carb body raises the float level.
     
  35. mrcarb

    mrcarb Member

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    Thanks for posting your carb rack/float adjuster pics Tman 74.
     
  36. Tman_74

    Tman_74 Member

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    No problem.
    JoeFriday77, 4 times Hugh? well tonight they are coming off!!!! 4th time is a charm??
    Kendall, Nice rack???
     
  37. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    I am so glad I found xjbikes, the endless research you guys have saved me, the suggestion of the carb rack, the step by step guides, & of course the parts from XJforever.

    You guys Rock!!!

    I now realize that, when I am done with my bike I will be equipped with a full service shop. Not that you can ever be "done" :)


    Thank You
     
  38. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Not if you plan to actually RIDE the bike for very long...

    The good part is you go from "rebuild" mode to "maintenance" mode which is easier to plan anyway...
     
  39. 82XJ

    82XJ Member

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    Hey, Kendall, check if your filter has an arrow marking the flow direction... all of the cone shaped filters I've seen go with the narrow end towards the tank.

    Probably doesn't make a big difference, but keep it im mind if you start having flow problems...
     
  40. dpawl31

    dpawl31 Member

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    Yep, it's the wrong way.
    Junk is supposed to stick to the block in the center and you SEE it through the cone piece.

    I'll have to look for an Oriely's, but think that must be a local chain.
     
  41. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    Ok thanks i will check.

    There are no arrow marks, but I will turn it arround actually makes more sense to build up anything it filters on the outside instead of the inside

    On a brighter note, I finished bench syncing, my carbs tonight after getting the float levels set.

    Put the rack back on the bike, and it fired right up in about 2 cranks.

    I changed the oil, then it got dark.

    Tomorrow I do spark plugs.

    How long should I set aside to try my first sync & colortune?
     
  42. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    2-3 hours.
     
  43. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    "So what if you're wrong?"

    "If I'm wrong, nothing happens! We go to jail - peacefully, quietly. We'll enjoy it! But if I'm *right*, and we *can* stop this thing... Lenny... YOU will have saved the lives of millions of registered voters. "

    ;)
     
  44. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    Interesting turn this thread has taken.

    From float levels to Ghostbuster quotes.

    I love it.
     
  45. bill

    bill Active Member

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    It's an interesting crew Kendall - threads take weird turns - I think it's the full moon 8O
     
  46. midnightblu

    midnightblu Member

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    wow nobody caught this... LOL i kinda feel special Kendall the factory Floats have a final bend that prevents the needle from binding at 17mm i had to make the final bends on my replacements .... be glad you diddnt find out as i did by jumping on the bike after work to have it pee oil / gas on your foot from flooding out the cylindars and squirting out the crank vent into the air box.
     
  47. midnightblu

    midnightblu Member

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    here is a pict
     

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  48. Kendall

    Kendall Member

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    Actually it did pour oil/gas out of the air box, before I got the floats adjusted.


    So if it seems to be working, should I need to take the carbs back off to bend those like the originals?


    Can they slip and come off the float tangs?
     
  49. midnightblu

    midnightblu Member

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    lets put it this way ... as soon as i saw the originals i did it... i havnt had a flooded out since.
     
  50. tumbleweed_biff

    tumbleweed_biff Active Member

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    And you'll want to check the oil for gas. If you smell gas, change the oil.
     

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