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I am having trouble with my S&S Super B overflowing if I leave the petcock open for just a few minutes after shutting off the engine. I pulled the float bowl to check the float level and when I looked up the specs on the S&S site it mentions a spring on the needle valve, mine doesn't have any type of spring. This is the first time I have ever been into and S&S so I don't really have anything to compare it to.
Here is the pic from S&S
The parts diagram doesn't show a spring though.
Not sure what to think. When I first read your post I thought of the spring inside some needles, you cant see the spring, its inside the needle and pushes the plunger that contacts the float back out if the plunger is depressed. Ive seen the plunger stuck so it cant be depressed into the needle. Usually from sitting to long without the carb being drained. Usually some carb cleaner and working the plunger will free it up.
Looking at the parts diagram though Ive never seen a spring inside that kind of needle
Take the needle and seat out... in those early days, S&S had interchangeable Seats/Needles.. some folks thought that a Fuel needle, and maybe even a Fuel or Alcohol seat were the hot ticket...some needles were even Flat... not good for street use.. .. Good old Gasoline needle and seat are the proper setup for the street.. Call S&S... They May still remember the correct stuff... If Not... I can get pictures..
BTW the "spring" they speak of is built into the needle... Maybe... again.. depends on who was in there last!!!
Ok, thanks. That sounds like good advice. I will get a kit from S&S and replace the needle and seat. After seeing other things that were done on this bike I have no faith that whoever was in the carb previously had any clue what they were doing.
My needle does not have any spring to it, if it ever did it is gummed up now and doesn't move.
I was having the same issues as you. I ordered a new fuel needle and found that the rubber on the end of the needle in my carb had mostly worn away. You can’t tell this until you compare it with a new one. BTW, there is no spring, just the tension from the float is what lets in the fuel or stops it. At least on mine.
Now I must say.... After I put on the new needle, the gas leak issue stopped. And then one day it started up again and I had a big smelly pile of gas under the bike. The new needle was doing the same thing. Since I am no longer riding for the year I have left the gas off and need to go in there again and see what’s up. I feel confident the needle is working so either I had a float adjustment to make or there is something else causing the fuel to get past the needle.
Bottom line, buy a new needle or rebuilt kit and go from there. S&S carbs are the bomb if you take care of them
I was having the same issues as you. I ordered a new fuel needle and found that the rubber on the end of the needle in my carb had mostly worn away. You can’t tell this until you compare it with a new one. BTW, there is no spring, just the tension from the float is what lets in the fuel or stops it. At least on mine.
Now I must say.... After I put on the new needle, the gas leak issue stopped. And then one day it started up again and I had a big smelly pile of gas under the bike. The new needle was doing the same thing. Since I am no longer riding for the year I have left the gas off and need to go in there again and see what’s up. I feel confident the needle is working so either I had a float adjustment to make or there is something else causing the fuel to get past the needle.
Bottom line, buy a new needle or rebuilt kit and go from there. S&S carbs are the bomb if you take care of them
-lowoilpressure
And... learn to Shut the gas OFF...always.. learned the Hard way... years and More years ago!!!
The S&S is the least Likely to handle much Head Pressure.. BTDT with a Low Pressure fuel Pump...still wayyyy too Much!!!!
And... learn to Shut the gas OFF...always.. learned the Hard way... years and More years ago!!!
The S&S is the least Likely to handle much Head Pressure.. BTDT with a Low Pressure fuel Pump...still wayyyy too Much!!!!
AMEN!
I agree. Just turn of the f@@king gas!
With that, I think low gas pressure will definitely allow gas to leak past the needle. You have to have positive gas pressure or the float will allow the needle to leak gas.
Gotta love a carburetor and a Shovelhead even more.
Though I fully agree with shutting off the fuel when parking the bike, the OP seems to be getting a leak with it just sitting for a couple of minutes. I wold never leave the gas on over night, but you should be able to go inside for one and come out without a mess on the ground.
Though I fully agree with shutting off the fuel when parking the bike, the OP seems to be getting a leak with it just sitting for a couple of minutes. I wold never leave the gas on over night, but you should be able to go inside for one and come out without a mess on the ground.
This. I always shut off the gas when I know it's going to sit for a spell but have never had one flood this fast.
Have the full S&S kit ordered, sounds like that should take care of the problem
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S&S B Question
