TE/TC Float height?

[Kam1]

Ok here it is, first it is a 2015 KTM 300xcw( don't hate me I still have my husky) , 2nd since it was new it will leave a puddle of gas if you leave fuel on when bike is on kick stand- float height yes, coming out overflow. I jut put jd jet kit in, reset float height- still puddle. I took carb back off this time blowing in fuel hose while setting float height, Ok that is it, nope puddle after it sits 15 plus minutes starts leaking, checked for any debris on needle and seat looks good, reassemble this time set level 2 low, lack of fuel in bowl can run it out of gas at 1/2 throttle and then have to wait for bowl to refill. This has to be a very simple deal, that I an automotive master tech( woo hoo) can not seem to figure out, and 2 think I am that guy shops send you 2 when they can't figure it out- refer to woo hoo comment. HELP PPPPPLEASE. ( IT IS FREAKING FLOAT HEIGHT CAN NOT BELEIVE I AM POSTING THIS QUESTION)

 

[racemx904]

my brother had a tough time and it was extremely sensitive.... one way .5mm it would stall because it ran ot of fuel or way dribble....

are you sure the valve isnt bad?

 

[Kam1]

Looks good, that said I am considering new float valve just to try it, it just goes against my will to throw new parts at something. I might have to get over that though, cause this is kicking my ass! That is the valve you are talking about?

 

[lankydoug]

Before my Lectron I had one give me problems like that and I believe it was the wire clip on the needle was dragging and catching on the metal tab and binding it up and sticking the float. I de-burred the tab and fixed the flooding. I always modify the bowl drain plug by drilling extra holes in the sides so it will fill faster this will insure that at WFO it never starves the engine.

Also make sure your gas cap vent is working

 

[Colo moto]

I fought the same problem on my 2008 300xc. The bike would spit gas anytime it wasn't exactly straight up. Tried adjusting float level a bit, but then ran into the fuel starvation problem at WOT. I tried several more adjustments but eventually went back to where it was and just decided to live with the dribbling fuel.

 

[Kam1]

Talked to the parts guy at KTM, they stock float valve/ needle and have seen this- $25.00 gamble, gonna do it but this is final attempt for now- Time to ride, plus I need 7602 rad guards soon. I will update if this fixes it, or not, kinda doubt it because I do not see how float needle could be bad.

 

[Kam1]

Before my Lectron I had one give me problems like that and I believe it was the wire clip on the needle was dragging and catching on the metal tab and binding it up and sticking the float. I de-burred the tab and fixed the flooding. I always modify the bowl drain plug by drilling extra holes in the sides so it will fill faster this will insure that at WFO it never starves the engine.

Also make sure your gas cap vent is working

Will double check for burs on float, and definite check vent, I did not think of that at all. Thanks

 

[racemx904]

it dont take much on the float valve to cause a leak... had many over the years go bad

 

[Kam1]

Problem solved ! I went down to the KTM shop and bought a new float valve/needle, rushed home, snuck in shop undetected, reinspected float tab, and there was a small nick on the tab. ( Thanks Lankydoug) went ahead and installed new valve/needle- 30 minutes later no drip. I cannot say for sure if it was nick or valve, but I sure can say thanks for all the help. Seems real crisp can't wait for real ride so I can check the spark plug.

 

[Kam1]

Premature celebration, just went down to lock up shop- 8 inch wet spot on concrete, well that is better anyway. I am going to ride it , read the plug, then set float height one last time. I am going to take reading of tab with digital calipers and tweak it very very slightly, will update in a few weeks. Well at least it is not a quitter.

 

[dartyppyt]

When bike is on your main stand not kick stand. With slide out. Stick a small level on top of carb to make sure it's level. If it isn't then that can cause issue. Make sure though your bike is level on the main stand first of all.

 

[Kam1]

When bike is on your main stand not kick stand. With slide out. Stick a small level on top of carb to make sure it's level. If it isn't then that can cause issue. Make sure though your bike is level on the main stand first of all.

Will do that before test ride.

 

[dartyppyt]

Will do that before test ride.

The Mikuni TMXX's are funny like that. If carb is pitched to right or left they can dripple.
Usually, there is a notch in intake boot for carb alignment. I've stuck it in notch then put a level on it and it was way off.
I use those lil string line levels just couple inches long.

Here is the one I use and keep in tool box.

Sits nice on top of carb threads.

 

[Kam1]

I win ! No premature this time, used level on top still dripped. I decided to hit reset and start from scratch, removed carb without draining fuel, flipped over slowly on bench- yes it makes a mess, is dangerous. I then removed float bowl, float and inspected for any debris again- found a tiny speck of deteriorated black rubber in seat. The fuel hose on my 2015 had deteriorated, my bike was a demo and suspect they left fuel in it all the time. Height issue of float being too low or high- one starving for fuel, one leaking, was addressed by bending float tab gently higher at the base- closest 2 float pin , that allowed the tab to be at less of an angle, more even pressure on needle/float valve. Time to reinstall carb, while slide was removed put level on top, ( thanks dartyppyt, I like no guesswork!) I then went for short ride, chucked in on the kickstand and walked away. The floor is still dry! Thanks everyone again, I got great input over simple task- that was a pain in my arse. P.S. The reason it still leaked when float 2 low prior had 2 be caused by debris.