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[stinkwheel]

As above, I would be switching the fuel off if it's been parked for any time.



Reminds me about my old Minsk 125. I'd often come back to that and find the tank was on reserve. I worked out this would only happen on sunny days. Closer observation showed it would sit a while then dribble some fuel out of the overflow, then sit for a couple of minutes, then dribble some more. I think it was the heat making the fuel in the float bowl expand up to the point it overflowed, it would then syphon slightly. Fresh, cooler fuel would run in to replace it. This would in-turn expand and overflow. Repeat until empty. The overflow would evaporate before the next lot overspilled.



So yes, the solution for leaking overnight is to turn the fuel off. For what it's worth, Japanese bikes often have horrifically poor seals on the needle valves, you just never notice because they also have vacuum fuel taps. It's not until the vacuum tap fails that you notice the carbs leaking. Not uncommon for an older jap bike to suddenly have the airbox and crankcases brim full of fuel, not unheard of for them to hydraulic lock and bend a conrod, a mates slabby did that quite recently. At least bullets just dump it on the floor.

[Alan R]

Hi guys------------- Stinkwheel}--- yes, you're right, its a shame those kits aren't available anymore..........daveh}--- try this}----https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROYAL-ENFIEL ... ........To our hosts}---That E-Bay link is by way of a reply to John L's "contribution" and not meant to undermine your good services....OK ??.............Assumptions ??...Well, it would appear we have all assumed that daveh's bike was running ok before this problem arose as no one has asked him, and he hasn't said anything to the contrary so I reiterate my suggestion that an affordable new carb will see him back on the road ASAP, and he can then spend his leisure time "tinkering" with the faulty one and learning the basics at the same time...Incidentally daveh the use of an Ultrasonic Carb cleaner is a good idea too..........Keep the faith Brother !!!

[John L]

Alan R - I see you've ignored our host's request for co-operation in acknowledging their request for NO postings for the sale of parts. Have you experienced buying parts yourself from India? Regarding my "contribution" (whatever the inverted commas are meant to convey), I was merely trying to help the o.p. solve his problem, as with all the other responders - yourself included, I hope.
We all have different experiences of these bikes, and different views on how best to maintain them. My own personal perspective is NOT to simply throw increasing amounts of hard-earned at them (particularly in the direction of unknown suppliers hundreds or even thousands of miles away) on parts of dubious quality - which likely as not are not needed anyway. You may well feel differently.
As for "assumptions" - I suggest you go back and read the thread again. daveh said(quote): "The bike itself is running very well.
I'm now going to check that the fuel is clean". He's trying to fix a problem with HIS carb., presently fitted to HIS bike. May I re-iterate to him "Don't waste your money."

[mart]

JohnL's comment has just refreshed my memory. i had a problem with intermittent fuel flow from the fuel tap ('94 500 Bullet) it took me a while to work it out so perhaps you have a similar issue in that the tap is not shutting off completely. the more fuel there is in the tank the worse it would leak.

turn the fuel on to make sure the float bowl is full. when it leaks turn the fuel off and remove the fuel hose. does it still leak? if so it isnt the tap.
I don't wish to insult you but how are you measuring the float height? with the carb upside down? try setting the float ht way too high and see if that makes a difference.
re-reading your original post you say it gets worse if you wiggle the bike. that would suggest float/valve issue. ( I think )

[stinkwheel]

I have a memory of a really odd problem with one of the carbs on a bullet that caused it to overflow, I just can't remember which one it was.



I'd changed the jetting and it started to overflow, which is odd because I hadn't touched the floats or needle valve. After MANY attempts, I finally noticed a slight witness mark on the edge of the float bowl on the inside. It appeared the float was catching slightly on the inside of the float bowl. With the float bowl screws slightly loose, it is possible to move the float bowl about on it's flange very slightly in any direction (about 1mm or so, maybe less). If I fitted the bowl to just before tight then pushed it as far away from the mobile end of the floats as possible before nipping the screws up, the problem went away.

[Alan R]

Hi Guys-------- and Hello John L}---- Don't forget that those items you seem to be deriding from 1,000's of miles away and of dubious quality were fitted as Original Equipment by Royal Enfield in the first place !!..After 17 years of service I'd imagine that the slide for instance is by now a poor fit in the body anyway and could be due for renewal..............Our Hosts know me from previous listings and that my intentions are as stated in my last posting............I'm now on my 4th Bullet / 6th Enfield and over many years have sourced my spares from both the Home market and India with no problems whatsoever..............Now John, I seem to detect an air of Personal Animosity creeping in to your replies and would ask that you pull-in those particular reigns..........There's no need for it on this forum because, as you yourself have said, we're all here to help one another and each contribution is as valid as the rest....OK, I've said my piece and will now draw a line under the matter.......Hello daveh......what's the latest matey ?.....As someone else noted you said}--The leaking increases if I wiggle the bike....Have you read our Hosts Technical Notes on how to set the float height ??..........Here's an "Out of the box" idea}----- Have you a mate or two who are reasonably ok with mechanics ??..........Try getting one of them to re-build your carb..The idea being that fresh minds / hands sometimes can make a difference....PS can someone remind me how to create paragraphs ??..........Something to do with the < and > keys but what goes in the middle ??......Thanks..

[Beezabryan]

Para break is one of these < followed by br followed by one of these >
Remember to have a space on each side.

[John L]

daveh - "we're all here to help one another and each contribution is as valid as the rest". The basis for my posting originally was that I've suffered a similar problem in the past with my own Indian Bullet, and was curious to know what the cause may be, and whether you found a cure. (I cured the leak on my bike, but never really got to the bottom of the cause.) I'm STILL curious. My very first bike was a RE125, and in the 59 years since of owning and repairing motorcycles I am curious enough to be learning something new almost every day.........You are of course perfectly free to ignore everything I've said.

[Alan R]

Hi Guys--------Hi Beeza, how's it going ?------
I missed the Clan gathering this year, did you go ??
Sorry daveh--just getting in some practice re}--- the paragraph spacing's......
Have you sorted it out now ??........Do you have other RE owners nearby who can assist ??..........Have you thought about joining your local branch of the RE Owners club ???

[Beezabryan]

Hello Alan I'm still out and about but not too far & not too often this year.
Sadly the Gathering was just outside my sensible riding mileage so had to turn up on four wheels. Quite a few nice bikes including a couple of Enfields.