Flooding carb

[jscgdunn]

O-rings: I generally replace the needle seat when rebuilding and get the new O-rings.  Have replaced one set of O-rings chasing a leak (thanks George!).  Often see the recommendation to replace the O-rings when this problem occurs,  however I do not understand how a bad O-ring can leak intermittently;  would it not leak all the time?.  Thoughts anyone?

[movenon]

My only thought is if you pull the needle and seats to clean them then don't reassemble with the old O rings.  I agree it shouldn't be an interment leak with a bad O ring.  More likely crap in the seat, binding float pivot, or floats not adjusted correctly (float height, make sure the floats are not rubbing against bowl sides, floats at the same height on each side to prevent binding on the pin, check for float binding on pivot pin due to crap or scored pin, float spring clip to needle binding etc.). Things to think about.
George 

[jscgdunn]

Makes sense George....



Jeff

[Nig]

Three things to check that may be causing problems.
1/ Needles and seats mismatched, probably from different manufacturer. I found needles recently replaced, sticking in the seat bore.
2/ Tab on float arm that pushes the needle can wear a small dint on high mileage carbs, stopping smooth operation of needle.
3/  If you run the carbs out of fuel one or more needle can protrude enough to jam and not re enter seat.

[ribbert]

Three things to check that may be causing problems.
1/ Needles and seats mismatched, probably from different manufacturer. I found needles recently replaced, sticking in the seat bore.
2/ Tab on float arm that pushes the needle can wear a small dint on high mileage carbs, stopping smooth operation of needle.
3/  If you run the carbs out of fuel one or more needle can protrude enough to jam and not re enter seat.

Like this:



Noel

[movenon]

Carbs are easy, it is just all the small details .  I say "just". When removing the float pins do it in a manor that will not break the pin posts. Detail, details....
George

[theLeopard]

Fuel then started running out somewhere from underneath the carbs. 

Where is it leaking from?
If it's leaking from the carb overflow (there are 4) your floats are stuck. This will trickle.
If it's leaking from the large solenoid connected to your main fuel line the solenoid spring has failed. That will flood.