mikuni carburator

I need help fixing the carbs on my 1984 XJ 600. Fuel continues to flow even when engine isn't running. And when the bike is running fuel comes out of one of the overflow valves.

 

That would indicate a float problem http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html

You also need to check to be sure your oil isn't now full of gasoline. Open the filler cap, stick your nose in the hole and sniff. It should smell like warm oil. If it smells like gas, stop riding the bike, change the oil immediately and then fix the problem.

 

Should I go ahead and replace the floats?

 

NO, you should look at the exploded view of the carb I linked to.

The floats themselves are solid hunks of plastic, they don't go bad. The float needles and seats get gummed up or corroded/pitted/worn; and need to be cleaned, inspected and then replaced if no longer serviceable.

Once the carbs have been thoroughly cleaned (DO NOT submerge them in anything) then you'll need to adjust your float levels. http://www.xj4ever.com/setting%20fuel%20levels.pdf This sets the fuel level in the carb (the level at which the float shuts off flow) and it is very critical.

 

I cleaned the carbs not to long ago. But I never adjusted the float level because I didn't have the specs. Thanks.