Carb questions
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,324
Likes: 3,571
From: Picayune, Ms.
There is actually a little spring in that little needle that stops the fuel. The head that bumps against the float lever is where the spring is. Maybe the first one was broken or stuck, and the new one was working.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
fuel overflow
More checks ... be sure the hole bottom that the fuel valve drops into is perfectly clean as the tiny rubber point on the fuel pintle valve must seat in this to prevent leaking fuel.
Check your float for leaks to see if its airtight.
Check the gas cap for proper breathing , if you hear a big whoosh on a hot day when removing the gas cap , it probably needs to be replaced.
Lastly ... invest in a proper HD manual . Your bike is 24 years old and it will be one of the best investments you will do.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,324
Likes: 3,571
From: Picayune, Ms.
http://www.cv-performance.com/harley_float_setting/
Check out this page and note the last diagram. Note the "pin return spring" that is located in the fuel inlet valve.
Check out this page and note the last diagram. Note the "pin return spring" that is located in the fuel inlet valve.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Mystery spring
http://www.cv-performance.com/harley_float_setting/
Check out this page and note the last diagram. Note the "pin return spring" that is located in the fuel inlet valve.
Check out this page and note the last diagram. Note the "pin return spring" that is located in the fuel inlet valve.
Apperantly CV Performance is using an older generic pic. in this diagram to describe how to set a float level. They should have whited out the offending description of a spring loaded fuel valve as there is none on the carb. we are dealing with. I see this all the time at work and it gets worse as lots of schematics are now being translated from other languages. etc. etc.
You have a good eye to even notice this .
Cheers.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
There was no spring on my float needle. Not on the original or the one that came in the kit.
My brother and I did something that is going to cost me some additional work. We did not drill out the fuel mixture screw cover. The thought was that if the carb was set properly when new, and we were essentially getting it back to new with the rebuild kit we should be able to get away without touching it.
Several of you advised drilling it out. I know, I know. You can say 'I told you so'.
The bike runs much better, but it still seems rich based on the smell. I will pull the plugs soon to check them after I get some more miles.
My question is, what was wrong with our logic? How could the mixture not be right?
My brother and I did something that is going to cost me some additional work. We did not drill out the fuel mixture screw cover. The thought was that if the carb was set properly when new, and we were essentially getting it back to new with the rebuild kit we should be able to get away without touching it.
Several of you advised drilling it out. I know, I know. You can say 'I told you so'.
The bike runs much better, but it still seems rich based on the smell. I will pull the plugs soon to check them after I get some more miles.
My question is, what was wrong with our logic? How could the mixture not be right?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,448
From: la la land jerzey
There was no spring on my float needle. Not on the original or the one that came in the kit.
My brother and I did something that is going to cost me some additional work. We did not drill out the fuel mixture screw cover. The thought was that if the carb was set properly when new, and we were essentially getting it back to new with the rebuild kit we should be able to get away without touching it.
Several of you advised drilling it out. I know, I know. You can say 'I told you so'.
The bike runs much better, but it still seems rich based on the smell. I will pull the plugs soon to check them after I get some more miles.
My question is, what was wrong with our logic? How could the mixture not be right?
My brother and I did something that is going to cost me some additional work. We did not drill out the fuel mixture screw cover. The thought was that if the carb was set properly when new, and we were essentially getting it back to new with the rebuild kit we should be able to get away without touching it.
Several of you advised drilling it out. I know, I know. You can say 'I told you so'.
The bike runs much better, but it still seems rich based on the smell. I will pull the plugs soon to check them after I get some more miles.
My question is, what was wrong with our logic? How could the mixture not be right?
the fuel in 1989 when that bike was built, was quite different than the crap they sell at the pump today - and the mixture screw, adjusts the proper air to fuel mixture for SAID fuel you are using
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If you have been reading other recent posts you will see that aftermarket ignition systems and cams are a regular subject in here, for the reasons mentioned.
Last edited by grbrown; Oct 8, 2014 at 03:59 AM. Reason: Duh, grammar!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
Put up a pic!