Author Topic: Leaky carb (Read 3710 times)

Lyle · « **on:** September 28, 2005, 05:43:40 AM »

Hi guys,

I've searched the forum's for info on this but maybe you can direct me to the appropriate thread.

I currently have a b4 '92 and I'm experiencing a leak on my carbs. More specifically if you sit on the bike its the 3rd one from the left. I think that it could be a worn valve needle or some dirt is caught in there.

Can you please advise me on whether i'm correct in this assumption. I've also gotten a ridiculous quote so i'd prefer to fix it myself. The thing is I know more about cars than bikes since i only have my bike for less than a year and haven't experienced any problems till now. Could you tell me whether this is possible for me to do or should i leave it to an expert.

Thanks.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2005, 09:22:39 AM »

I would guess the float is stuck down so the gas keeps flowing.

You probanly need to pull the carbs and clean them out.

As far as doing it yourself, there are pleanty of resources on this site to guide you through it. Try to find a shop manual and go for it!

I would guess a shop will charge you $200+. It's not that the work is really difficult or requires expensive parts, but it is somewhat time consuming, and time is how you are billed.

turbo-bob · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2005, 01:04:58 AM »

Quote from: "Lyle"

Hi guys,
I currently have a b4 '92 and I'm experiencing a leak on my carbs.

Thanks.

"A leak"

Is it running out the overflow when you leeve the fuel on
( raw fuel )
or seeping from the bowl gasket ?

Lyle · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:06:31 AM »

Well with my limited knowledge of bikes I would say it is leaking out the bottom. Obviously only after I ride the bike. The leak only starts once I stop riding and the bike stands for about 2 minutes. Its not a major leak but it is causing damage to my chain and before I replace the chain and sprockets I think it would be better to fix the leak first which I plan on possibly doing tomorrow.

I've gotten hold of a manual but its for the normal bandit and I have a V. Does this make much of a difference?

chupacabra · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:11:35 AM »

check the drian screws and see if thats where its coming from

Lyle · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:34:10 AM »

Not at home now, but if my memory serves correct, it is possibly the drain screws. I was told by a mechanic to knock the carbs with the back of a screw driver. He said its possible that dirt is in there or the float is stuck and that this might solve it. Tried it but nothing happened.

ALso if it is the float, what is the chances of it getting stuck again. I think I had this problem a couple a months ago and had it fixed. This time i'm not paying.

Maniac · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2005, 09:20:11 AM »

Just curious, do you have an inline fuel filter? If not I'd really consider investing in one, they should cost less than $10 and have the potiental to save you money on car insurance... er... I mean, carb cleaning (stupid Geico commercials).

If the carbs -are- dirty again and you just had them cleaned, I'd be interested in finding out why. Is it just that they did a piss-poor job cleaning, or is it new dirt? If so, whats the condition of the inside of the gas tank? Rust in there?

PitterB4 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 29, 2005, 01:35:16 PM »

I'm going to guess on a B4, the most likely scenario one of or a combination of two things - a leaky petcock and/or bad o-rings. A few questions:

Does it leak a little and then stop or just keep dripping forever? Pull the tank and see if it drips from the petcock even when "On".

Is your oil level high and does it smell of gas?

If you pull your carbs to clean them (which is a good idea anyway if it hasn't been done lately), are the floats well-seated in the carb bodies? They should stick in there pretty well. If those orings rot, you will get leakage.

Lyle · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2005, 03:32:36 AM »

Ok so i pulled the carbs. Checked the petcock, not leaking at all. O rings seem to fine but i think i'll replace them anyway. The floats appear to be well seated.

I haven't completely opened the carbs. I've opened the top and bottom sections but how do I get to inspect the needle valve. Do i need to take everything apart and go in from the top since it doesn't seem to come out from the bottom.

Does anyone know of a trustworthy online source for parts that ships internationally? In my country there aren't many sources for 400's spares.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2005, 09:06:31 AM »

Quote from: "Lyle"

The floats appear to be well seated.

Uh, the floats are supposed to move up and down. If they are seated, you've just found the problem.