SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Using a float gauge and other questions.
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1618786221

Message started by retro on 04/18/21 at 15:50:00

Title: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/18/21 at 15:50:00

I just cleaned my carb and I know for a fact my float is off.
Possibly crooked.

I bought a float gauge and searched the site to see if there was any info on them. There is not, from what I have found. I have included a picture, and have set it to what I think is the right measurement. Or Atleast the mm of what I’ve seen on the net by looking around. If I am wrong, can someone PLEASE mark on the photo where it’s supposed to be? A little help, embarrassing I know.
Just an FYI: the float gauge measures from on TOPof the lip, not at the rubber gasket. It’s on top of that little lip of the carb where the gasket is (where the bowl goes over the carb)...I would just like to make that clear and if that’s confusing, I don’t mean it to be, I’m just trying to get it right lol.
I also plan on buying a clear tube to measure the gas from the nipple. Should it be over or under that seam where it’s usually measured on the carb? Or matching that height? I had read up on some of it, but there was no gauge info, hence this post.

I also was wondering what is a float drop is, how is it measured (if someone could fully explain that to me that would be awesome. I’m learning as I go) and what measurement is it.

And I need to know what angle to put the carb at when adjusting. A straight up angle will help. If you tell me, for example, “oh it’s 45 degrees” I’ll get it in a heart beat but I’ve not seen an actual direct answer. I know it’s “touching the spring but not moving” or what not...but can someone explain that? Or pictures help...a lot! It’s how I learn is by seeing and not reading. I also don’t understand the terms “tang” or just about anything that involves the float besides the float.

I’m just trying to learn and not pay a mechanic $50 to just fix a float. I want to learn mechanics and if you don’t ask, you don’t know.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by norm92de on 04/18/21 at 21:30:58

Never mind the gage. Hold the bike upright put a clear plastic tube on the nipple at the bottom of the carb and open the drain screw.

Then holding the tube beside the carb the gas in the tube should be level with the joint between the bowl and the main body of the carb.

If that is good then you are good to go riding. :)

It is not very arcane.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/19/21 at 06:16:26

The only float gauge I've ever used was a ruler.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/19/21 at 21:11:14

7B7A67782C277170150 wrote:

Yeah, but to get it to that point...that is what is annoying. It’s the last step in my carb cleaning process.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/19/21 at 21:14:00

Tried looking for a standard ruler and apparently only children use them as they’re misshapen for decoration and “fun.” but got some tubing today. I’ll text it when the new jets get here and make adjustments (translation: mangle the thing until it works right because....shrug…) and give it a go.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by twhitus on 04/20/21 at 04:50:28

i just hold the carb upside down and eye ball it. if its level its close enough, im lazy tho.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/20/21 at 05:10:03

4B4857564B4A4C3F0 wrote:
i just hold the carb upside down and eye ball it. if its level its close enough, im lazy tho.

We have a winner for the worst advice of the week. Congratulations.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/20/21 at 06:15:27

73706F6E737274070 wrote:

i just hold the carb upside down and eye ball it. if its level its close enough, im lazy tho.

Oh you sweet summer child.
That bike isn’t going to last long.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by ckahleer on 04/20/21 at 09:53:49

Using a jar you don't have to remove the bowl each time you attempt an adjustment.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/20/21 at 13:59:35

353D373E3A333324560 wrote:

Using a jar you don't have to remove the bowl each time you attempt an adjustment.

I was confused for a second but you’re saying fill the jar up with gas, let the float sit in it and take that tube and measure it, I’m guessing that’s what you mean?

Edit: thinking back that wouldn’t make sense since the glass jar is in the way. I don’t know what the world I’m looking at.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by ckahleer on 04/20/21 at 14:17:59

3423323429342F222335460 wrote:

[quote author=353D373E3A333324560 link=1618786221/0#8 date=1618937629]Using a jar you don't have to remove the bowl each time you attempt an adjustment.

I was confused for a second but you’re saying fill the jar up with gas, let the float sit in it and take that tube and measure it, I’m guessing that’s what you mean?[/quote]

No. The tube is not used for measuring. It is just suppling fuel to the carburetor.
Fill the jar about 1" from the top with gasoline. Set the carburetor on the jar and let the jar finish filling through the carburetor fuel input nipple. The float needle should shut the fuel off before overflowing the jar. Measure distance from carb base to top of fuel in the jar. You need a jar with an opening the carburetor base will rest on, yet allow the float to move freely.
The pic is of a carburetor off an outboard motor. You can see the float dangling inside the jar.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by retro on 04/20/21 at 15:46:58

Oh! Ok. Thank you for explaining that. From what I’m getting from everyone it’s basically play around until this or that happens [ch128517]

What jar are you using?

I was thinking about going with a mason jar.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by ckahleer on 04/20/21 at 17:54:40

My wife saves jars for me, so I have a few to chose from. None have labels, so unsure what they are from. The ideal jar will have an opening size to supports all 4 corners of the carb base and large enough to allow the float to move freely.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by Hiko on 04/20/21 at 20:10:35

28202A23272E2E394B0 wrote:

You have thought about this! Good tip!

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/21/21 at 06:08:42

It's a unique solution. If the jar doesn't fill you bend the tab up and if it over flows you bend the tab down. I like it.

But it's still easier to take a proper measurement. Since I adjusted my first carb at the age of 10 years old I've never once got it wrong.

Title: Re: Using a float gauge and other questions.
Post by ohiomoto on 04/21/21 at 06:59:58

22213E3F222325560 wrote:

i just hold the carb upside down and eye ball it. if its level its close enough, im lazy tho.

-----------------

Haha...You have pretty good eye balls!

The float level doesn't have to be a precise as some might suggest, but there is a recommended range. I never measure it unless I'm replacing the float needle or I suspect someone else has and the bike isn't operating normally as is the case here.