Gas dumping out the air cleaner - Kawasaki Vulcan 750 Forum : Kawasaki VN750 Forums

Misfittom138 · #1 01-14-2010, 07:24 PM

Yep, tried to fire bike this morning, wouldn't start. Came home from work, cleaned plugs, saw gas on them. Twisted the throttle and then gas started pouring out of my air cleaner. I'm guessing float is stuck? Not sure. Just researched and it looks like a rebuild kit isn't to be found, so what next?

OlHossCanada · #2 01-14-2010, 08:53 PM

I think lance328 had a list of all the o-rings needed for a carb overhaul. You might try to pm him or e-mail.

Misfittom138 · #3 01-17-2010, 05:27 PM

Got some carb cleaner and seafoam today. Gonna start to find out what the problem is. I'm hoping the float is just gummed up or something is caught in it.

VN750Rider/Jerry · #4 01-18-2010, 09:17 AM

Be careful you don't wind up with a crankcase full of gas. It sounds like the float needle valves are not sealing. But, also there is no way for gas to to get into the carbs without either the engine running, or prolonged use of the started, to open the vacuum operated petcock.

I would first drain the carbs, remove the fuel lines from the tank, fill the carbs full of Seafoam through the fuel lines, let soak 24 hours, drain out the Seafoam, but everything back, and see what happens. If it STILL does it, it's time to remove the carbs, give them a good cleaning, and probably replace a few parts. Jerry.

Tiki Mon · #5 01-18-2010, 03:34 PM

Don't forget the trick about shooting carb cleaner up the float drains (fill, wait a few, drain and repeat). Just stick the jet-spray tube right up the drain. I also LOADED my gas with Seafoam, then did "1-minute run, 20 minute soak" cycles in the yard for most of a Saturday. That got it running OK, then changed the oil/filter, and an easy ride finished clearing the float out.

Good luck!

Misfittom138 · #6 01-18-2010, 10:30 PM

I did buy Seafoam. Might try the carb cleaner up the drain trick next. Carb cleaner in the eye hurts!

VN750Rider/Jerry · #7 01-19-2010, 12:00 AM

"Carb cleaner in the eye hurts!" Tell me about it. I've gotten it in my eyes several times. I always have a water hose handy when using it, just in case. I use Gumout by the case, as a general purpose cleaner.

I actually do not recommend spraying Gumout type carb cleaner in the carbs, it will damage anything made out of plastic or rubber. Filling the carbs with Seafoam and letting them soak for 24 hours should do it, if it can be done that way. If it doesn't, then tear into the carbs and clean them right. If there is any doubt about the float needles, replace them.

If you are going to remove the carbs, something I learned a long time ago, the only time I have ever pulled the carbs on a VN750, will make it easier. Remove the gas tank, and use wire or string to hold the air box (surge tank) from falling down while you remove the carbs. You can completely remove the rubber ducts between the carbs and the surge tank to give you more room. When putting them back, make sure they are seated all the way around. DO NOT use a screwdriver of something similar to try and push them into place. It will poke a hole right through the rubber. Don't ask how I know that. Just know that those rubber ducts are not cheap. Jerry.

Misfittom138 · #8 01-20-2010, 04:07 PM

Ok, after carb cleaner and seafoam it is running. No gas dumping yet. But it took forever to fire up, ran like crap first 5 minutes or so. Now it idles great, but when I twist throttle I get a lot of popping and small flames from the rear jug. Something isn't quite right yet. Lean it out? I did add more back pressure to pipes. (See other post in exhaust section). Gotta run for now, but I gotta get this dialed in by the weekend! Daily rider until my Harley Ironhead sportster is done.