Re: Carb questions

[Shotgun_Hilly]

Hi there,

I'd like to add on a carb question.  I just fixed my leaky gas tank (hooray) and put it back on the bike today, only to find a new leak - this one on the bottom of the right carb.  It was dripping out in a pretty steady dribble, but stopped when I shut off the petcock.  I started to take the carb off according to the manual instructions and once I separated it from rubber sleeves on either side and tipped it sideways, more gas came pouring out of the open orifices, for lack of a better word.  At any rate ... that is the situation.  Here are my questions:

1.) Is it uncommon for gas to leak out of the bottom of the carbeurator (sp?)?  
2.) Any ideas on how to fix it?
3.) I loosened the choke and accelerator cables to get them out of the way, but shouldn't I be able to (need to?) disconnect them completely from the carbeurator in order to pull it off and clean it?  (I'm still getting over my fear of breaking something on the bike, but I AM getting over it, so please forgive me if I'm being timid.  I make no apologies for my ignorance.  )
4.) re: cleaning: The manual instructs to clean with gasoline, but y'all were referencing carb cleaner.  Will either one do?  

Thanks!
Hilary

[airhead]

!. Yes and no!! There is an overflow tube in the float bowl that exits under the carb, in normal use it obviously shouldn't happen..........but is not really uncommon.

2. May be rubbish stuck in the float needle, especially after working on the tank or lines. You may be able to blow it clear or it may dislodge itself while manipulating the floats with the fuel on. If not, carb cleaner or compressed air sprayed the opposite direction may do it. It could be other things, but let's just concentrate in one area first.

3. Yes, pull the cables off and remove the carb from the engine to do it properly and in the easiest way.

4. DON"T clean with petrol, the chances of erupting in a ball of flame are too real, use carb cleaner (in a well ventilated place) and compressed air if available. Carb cleaner is under pressure so aids in cleaning orifices etc.

Bill......................;-)

[Justin B.]

Do not overlook a possible hole in the float bowl, either.  On my project LS, one of the bowls had a couple pinholes corroded in the bottom - JB Weld to the rescue!!!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And only disassemble one carb at a time.

There are some parts that are unique to each side, and if you mix them up, it will not run right.

And if you forget where something goes on the first, you still have one assembled to refer to.



Removing the cables can be confusing if you have never worked on an engine before.
You need to remove the nut on the pivot for the cable you want to remove.  Pay attention to how the pieces are assembled when you take the nut off.  The outer half of the retainer will come loose, and that will allow the cable end to release.

What year is your bike?

[Shotgun_Hilly]

Wow, I love this Web site!  I do have a pit crew of big, hairy bikers at my disposal to help me with some of this stuff, but this forum is proving a wonderful opportunity to learn.  I appreciate the feedback.  

The bike is a '79, and it's my first.  I bought it from a guy in Maine, who found it abandoned in a barn somewhere.  It's definitely a project bike, but I'm excited about learning how to care for it.  Also, when I'm ready to take it out for a long solo road trip, I'll be better equipped to handle what comes my way.  I have been assured that I will know a LOT about it by that time.    

I'm going to a rally this weekend (I'll be pulling up in a red convertible - hardly the satisfaction of my own two wheels, but not a bad second, eh?) so unable to hit the mechanics again until Tuesday.  I'll pipe up again soon, I'm sure.  Until then ... [smiley=1drink.gif]

Thanks again, and enjoy the weekend!
Hilary  

[airhead]

Gee!! I don't know what's the scariest, being surrounded by big hairy bikers or having a near 30 year old project bike!!!

Just a note of caution, not doubting the abilities of your pit crew, but if they haven't worked on Beemers before there are some idiosyncrasies that maybe they are unaware. However, apart from that, they are easy to work on and maintain but be prepared to part with some $'s in the mean time to get it to reliable running.
 
Bill......................;-)

[jep]

Regarding what to clean carbs with:  I have an '80 that had this horrible hesitation at about 1/2 throttle or highway speeds.  I would feel like the bike had just acquired 300 lbs. when ever I would twist the throttle.  I don't know how many times I hose those things with spray carb cleaner after replacing everyhing that could be replaced inside there.  I replaced points, condensor, plugs,  plug wires and on and on.  It was driving me crazy and when I would show up Airhead Tech sessions with this bike I would get the bastard cousin that owes everybody money at the family reunion treatment because everyone was sick of my problem bike.  It was in good humor though.  A friend who works in a marine supply place said the he had heard that a long soak in WD40 might do the trick.  Well after 3 weeks of having the carbs immersed in WD40 the bike runs great.  WD40 is supposed to be a mild solvent.  I have now  decided not to part it out.  (there would be a smily face here if I could figure out how to get one of those little guys to come down)
jep

[Chris_in_BC]

(there would be a smily face here if I could figure out how to get one of those little guys to come down)
jep

place your cursor where you want the smiley face to be. Just click on the smiley you want to use.  

[Justin B.]

The absolute best checmicals available to the home mechanic to clean carbs with are those by Berrymans.  The spray (and pourable) B-12 absolutely vaporizes grime/gum and their "Chem-Dip" is great for soaking - but both are very hard on plastics...

If you are new to carb rebuilding, and have a good sense of humor, I highly recommend this "resource" for your review...

http://home.insightbb.com/~cdpumphr/the_carb_chronicles.htm

I read it every few months when I need a good chuckle!