float bowl half full

[jenoble01]

So I'm draining my carbs investigating an idling issue and found that one float bowl(1 out of 3, 3 to go) has half as much fuel as the other two I've done so far. I'm thinking sticking needle valve. However after pulling it apart there doesn't appear to be anything in there and it doesn't seem to be sticking. I also noticed that there is fuel all over the carb in places it shouldn't be. Would a leaking gasket cause a poor idle condition, or a leaking fuel line? What's up with the half full float bowl. I've found gas/oil(primarily oil) all over a few carbs but not on all of them.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: float bowl half full

a leaking gasket or fuel line will cause all sorts of mixtures problems you will never get straigtened out unless you get them fixed

 

[DJ]

Re: float bowl half full

The ability for air to get in (fuel out) is a definite hazard to a two stroke engine.

 

[OBJ]

Re: float bowl half full

A good place to start would be a hp and year. Are the bowls "plastic"?

 

[jenoble01]

Re: float bowl half full

A good place to start would be a hp and year. Are the bowls "plastic"?

'94 225 Yes the bowls are plastic. If only I could convince my wife to let me build a concrete test tank I could find where it's leaking from. She ain't going for it though. Would the primer bulb being looped from being to long cause any issues? seems like I read something somewhere this can cause a lean condition as the fuel pump has difficulty pulling the fuel. At any rate I cut the excess length off(about 2 ft) and reattached the hose. Been having problems with the primer bulb constantly emptying so I'm hoping this helps it. Find out in a few minutes when I check it again.

 

[DJ]

Re: float bowl half full

I also noticed that there is fuel all over the carb in places it shouldn't be.

You also stated you had fuel leaks. If fuel can get out, air can get in.

I don't see the fuel line as an issue. All the carbs get fuel from the same line.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: float bowl half full

The primer bulb does not nor is supposed to stay firm once the engine starts. That's normal. But it should not be sucked flat.

 

[DJ]

Re: float bowl half full

one float bowl(1 out of 3, 3 to go) has half as much fuel as the other two

I'm having a hard time understanding how an exterior fuel line issue can starve one carb.?

 

[jenoble01]

Re: float bowl half full

The primer bulb does not nor is supposed to stay firm once the engine starts. That's normal. But it should not be sucked flat.

The primer bulb was losing prime losing prime without the engine running within about a half hour, shortening hose fixed that.

As for the primer bulb starving one carb, two separate questions. One question about carb other question about primer bulb.

 

[OBJ]

Re: float bowl half full

JE....with the engine hood off, squeeze the primer bulb up and watch around the float bowl gasket areas for fuel leaks. The bowls are plastic and can warp enough to allow fuel to leak between the gasket and mating surfaces. Not that uncommon thing and can be repaired either by replaceing the bowls or in some cases, if the bowl is not warped to badly, the bowl can be worked down with sand paper on a flat surface and a new gasket installed.

I'm wondering how shortening the fuel line to the engine cured the primer bulb problem. If the primer bulb is going empty while setting, it's usually caused by a faulty valve in the primer bulb. But being unable to actually see the rig, was wondering if you could lend a little more info to your fix on that particular problem.

 

[jenoble01]

Re: float bowl half full

I'm wondering how shortening the fuel line to the engine cured the primer bulb problem. If the primer bulb is going empty while setting, it's usually caused by a faulty valve in the primer bulb. But being unable to actually see the rig, was wondering if you could lend a little more info to your fix on that particular problem.

I had about 2 extra feet of hose between the bulb and the engine, it was coiled down into the splash well. I remember reading something concerning this that said the line needed to be as short as possible because the extra coiled length acts like a trap and traps air in the hose or something. At any rate, I let it sit all night and just went and checked it again, about half a squeeze and it was firm, whereas before it would have been completely empty after that long. If I find the info I'll post it. I thought it was a bunch of bologna at first, but now that I've actually shorted it, and it fixed the issue with the primer bulb I guess it is actually true.

 

[jenoble01]

Re: float bowl half full

says Same thing here...the fix
The gas line to the bulb was too long and therefore it was coiled. You really need a straight-as-possible fuel line to the bulb. Becasue the fuel pump works on vacuum, the lower rpm you are running at, the less vacuum you have, and therefore it will not overcome the coil in the fuel line.
So make sure your fuel line is straight.

Info I read on the primer bulb.

 

[OBJ]

Re: float bowl half full

Thanks for posting that JE.8)