andrew.carwithen
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| posted on 6/4/07 at 08:03 AM |
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Sticky float valves.....
Happy Easter all.
I Tried to start the 'blade engine for the first time last night but wouldn't start. Prior to attempting start, I checked I had a nice fat
spark at each plug (so I presume I've correctly earthed the clutch, sidestand and neutral wires from the CDI? (893cc engine so no issues with
pink wire etc.)
I then cranked over engine for several seconds until oil light went out (with plugs and fuse removed for fuel pump.)
After I re-installed the plugs and pump fuse I then attempted to start for real.
However, though engine was cranking over nicely, there was no sign of the engine firing into life.
After several secondsI noticed that the fuel pump didn't cut out and fuel started to come out the overflow above carbs (I know its the correct
pump for carbs as its Chris Gamlin's old one.)
I realise from many previous posts that this is more than likely due to the float valves sticking and not shutting off the fuel once float bowls are
full (engine has been sat idle since I bought it two years ago.)
My question is how do I clean the float needle valves once stripped? Is it a case of soaking everything in carb cleaner and if so, for how long?
Could I use cellulose thinners instead as I have a can of that in the garage (otherwise its off to see if halfords etc are open on a Good Friday!)
Cheers,
Andy.
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OX
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| posted on 6/4/07 at 09:09 AM |
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before you take the carbs off ,drain the fuel from the float chamber ,if theres any fuel in there and give each one a little tap,,you might have to
clean the pilot jets tho if fuel has been standing in them for that long .
be careful with carb cleaner as it can perish some rubbers
[Edited on 6/4/07 by OX]
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 6/4/07 at 11:47 AM |
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I only ever clean carbs with petrol and a toothbrush. The needle valves don't need to be surgically clean as they can handle a bit of crap going
through them. The usual mode of failure is the valve seats being perished of scratched. Then floats may also simply be sticking or have filled with
fuel and sunk 
Don't what ever you do use the thinners, as they will most likely wreak every bit of rubber and plastic in the carb.
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andrew.carwithen
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| posted on 6/4/07 at 01:22 PM |
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I removed carbs and as suspected, when I removed float bowls, I could see that float valves had stuck open. I didn't strip or use carb cleaner
etc. but simply pushed up floats gently with finger a few times and they all freed off instantly.
I've remounted carbs and have managed to start engine (see other thread).
Pump now cuts out but I noticed that clear fuel filter between pump outlet and carb is empty when it does so. Is this normal?
(I'd've thought it would be full of fuel all the time.)
Andy.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 6/4/07 at 01:46 PM |
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thats good you've sorted it so easily.
thats normal with the filter, I noticed the same thing with my buggy when running. Can't explain why the air does not get removed, you can get
it full of fuel if you take the outlet pipe off and let it fill up slowly.
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