Ok members, another issue I have and need feedback. Please?
- Thread starter BillMull
- Start date
I have been keeping the petcock turned off, actually I started that about two months ago after seeing that it is important to turn off when done riding. So, it appears with the responses that it is possibly dealing with the "float" im gonna have to do some reading on the float and how it works. Im learning all this by talking to you all. Im trying to get the concept in my head of how a float works and what its role is on the carb. I just want to know for future problems and the knowledge. Can I take the float out of the carb without removing the carb and hurting the carb? Can I inspect it to see if it has obvious problems from looking at it? Thanks!!
The roll of the float is to meter the fuel into the float bowl. As the engine consumes fuel from the float bowl the level of fuel in the bowl drops and thus the float drops opening the inlet needle and allowing more fuel into the float bowl. It operates much the same as the setup in a toilet tank.
You can remove the float bowl without pulling the carb but it's close.
More than likely you have a problem with the needle itself that the float operates. A bit of rust or sediment trapped in there will give you running problems. You can remove the needle after removing the float. It comes right out with a small hook that is attached to the float mechanism. Turn on the petcock with the carb apart and catch the fuel that comes out in a clean cup to see if there is sediment in it. This will also flush the fuel line to the carb too as well as the needle / seat area.
You can remove the float bowl without pulling the carb but it's close.
More than likely you have a problem with the needle itself that the float operates. A bit of rust or sediment trapped in there will give you running problems. You can remove the needle after removing the float. It comes right out with a small hook that is attached to the float mechanism. Turn on the petcock with the carb apart and catch the fuel that comes out in a clean cup to see if there is sediment in it. This will also flush the fuel line to the carb too as well as the needle / seat area.
Glider has you covered...adding to it a bit, sometimes contaminants in the fuel can also deteriorate the rubber-like needle tip or age can groove it so fuel will leak past. A carb rebuild kit is about $30. The vacuum diaphram in the fuel petcock can be replaced, just don't seem to find the thread that had the part number from a poster a couple years ago. 
But the OEM assembly part number is in the H-D Parts List or at the dealer...and can be found discounted at Zanotti.:s
But the OEM assembly part number is in the H-D Parts List or at the dealer...and can be found discounted at Zanotti.:sWow, it seems like a big deal but I guess I need to learn somehow. I will give it a shot. The carb I have is a Screaming Eagle (Kehin). Is this a factory carb with a 1996 1200 custom sportster? Also, is the float on the bottom of the carb also? Guys, you have no idea how much it means to get these responses. This is helping me so much. The float, I understand a lot more after the explanation that "glider" gave. I have the concept now. To all "responses", Thank you so much!!!
The se carb is as i understand is just a larger bore of the stock carb so any reference material on how to strip etc should be pretty much the same
be aware that the float bowl screws used to hold the float bowl on are a soft material and usually the cross slots in the head just break up first time you show them a screwdriver so if the float bowl has not been off before best to remove the carb and do it on the workbench
replace the float bowl screws with allen headed screws i think they are m4 x 12mm
Brian
be aware that the float bowl screws used to hold the float bowl on are a soft material and usually the cross slots in the head just break up first time you show them a screwdriver so if the float bowl has not been off before best to remove the carb and do it on the workbench
replace the float bowl screws with allen headed screws i think they are m4 x 12mm
Brian