Triumphrat

Teddydog1 · 05-19-2005

Finally put the old horse back on the road the other day. Changed all the fluids, new battery, the odd light bulb, air in the tires, and fresh gas. But, one of the carbs has decided to keep on draining fuel, even when shut off. Any suggestions? Total rebuild or just an ornery spring? Any thoughts are welcome.

Teddydog1 · 05-19-2005

Finally put the old horse back on the road the other day. Changed all the fluids, new battery, the odd light bulb, air in the tires, and fresh gas. But, one of the carbs has decided to keep on draining fuel, even when shut off. Any suggestions? Total rebuild or just an ornery spring? Any thoughts are welcome.

swooshdave · 05-19-2005

Typically float needle. If it is the plastic one, replace it immediately. (Do both).

Then check the float to make sure it's not taking on gas.

If those aren't it, come on back.

swooshdave · 05-19-2005

Typically float needle. If it is the plastic one, replace it immediately. (Do both).

Then check the float to make sure it's not taking on gas.

If those aren't it, come on back.

oilyboot · 05-19-2005

First guess would be a sticky or stuck float/needle assy, leaky float, or maybe a stuck tickler. (Do those newfangled space age MKII's even have a tickler?)

"even when shut off"? Petcock? Engine? Turn signal?
Be more specific, please.

How long was she parked? If the bike had fuel in the carbs and sat for any length of time, you'll be fortunate if a sticky float is the only problem you find. A complete disassembly and through cleaning may be in order.

but, before you jump into a full rebuild,

You should probably first remove the bowl, to clean and inspect the float, needle, seat etc. If you're careful, the gasket can usually be reused. Shake the float. If it has liquid in it, it's junk.
If you dont have a metal needle with a rubber looking tip, order some. The solid plastic ones suck.

That said, I've unstuck more than one float by simply removing the drain plug, opening the petcock, and letting a pint or so of fuel rinse through the bowl.

Tapping gently on the bowl with something made of rubber while inventing new and interesting combinations of every swear word you have ever heard can also be effective....

oilyboot · 05-19-2005

First guess would be a sticky or stuck float/needle assy, leaky float, or maybe a stuck tickler. (Do those newfangled space age MKII's even have a tickler?)

"even when shut off"? Petcock? Engine? Turn signal?
Be more specific, please.

How long was she parked? If the bike had fuel in the carbs and sat for any length of time, you'll be fortunate if a sticky float is the only problem you find. A complete disassembly and through cleaning may be in order.

but, before you jump into a full rebuild,

You should probably first remove the bowl, to clean and inspect the float, needle, seat etc. If you're careful, the gasket can usually be reused. Shake the float. If it has liquid in it, it's junk.
If you dont have a metal needle with a rubber looking tip, order some. The solid plastic ones suck.

That said, I've unstuck more than one float by simply removing the drain plug, opening the petcock, and letting a pint or so of fuel rinse through the bowl.

Tapping gently on the bowl with something made of rubber while inventing new and interesting combinations of every swear word you have ever heard can also be effective....

Teddydog1 · 05-19-2005

Okay, some more info, fwiw. It's a 930 concentric with a tickler, and "when shut off" refers to the petcock as well as the motor. Might have a non functioning petcock as well, but that's another story. The bike sat for a few months, but I did remove and clean the float bowls, and after fitting new spark plugs, it started right up and runs fairly strong. After riding for about 1/2 hr. I parked it up in the garage for the evening. When I came outside this morning there was a puddle of gas on the floor, and a wet looking carb. While knocking the bowl with a small hammer and alternately coughing and cursing, I noticed that the fuel seems to be draining from the tickler. It also appeared to build up in the rubber bootie which goes to the airfilter box. I'll check out the floats and such tomorrow.

Teddydog1 · 05-19-2005

Okay, some more info, fwiw. It's a 930 concentric with a tickler, and "when shut off" refers to the petcock as well as the motor. Might have a non functioning petcock as well, but that's another story. The bike sat for a few months, but I did remove and clean the float bowls, and after fitting new spark plugs, it started right up and runs fairly strong. After riding for about 1/2 hr. I parked it up in the garage for the evening. When I came outside this morning there was a puddle of gas on the floor, and a wet looking carb. While knocking the bowl with a small hammer and alternately coughing and cursing, I noticed that the fuel seems to be draining from the tickler. It also appeared to build up in the rubber bootie which goes to the airfilter box. I'll check out the floats and such tomorrow.

oilyboot · 05-19-2005

Forget the carb for now. Fix or replace the petcock(s).

Even a functional needle and seat will sometimes leak a bit if the gas is left on overnight. The carb may be just fine as is.

oilyboot · 05-19-2005

Forget the carb for now. Fix or replace the petcock(s).

Even a functional needle and seat will sometimes leak a bit if the gas is left on overnight. The carb may be just fine as is.