Leaking float bowl question.

[GS750GUY]

Guys, I did first do a search regarding my question about leaking float bowls but cannot seem to find any thread history that exactly answers my specific question. Therefore, I am starting a new thread for my question.

Whenever the subject of leaking float bowl gaskets is brought up, typically two problable causes are mentioned. First of all, the bowl gasket itself is leaking or the carbs are overflowing for some reason.

My question is this: If the bowl gaskets are NOT leaking and the carbs are instead overflowing for some reason, wouldn't the overflowing fuel just drain out the overflow tubes on to the ground and leave the bottoms of the carbs dry? Or, is there some possible reason an overflow situation would still cause the bottoms of the carbs to become wet with fuel giving the appearance of dripping and leaking bowl gaskets?

Is it always correct to assume that just because you see fuel droplets hanging from the bottom of the bowl that the bowl gaskets are leaking, or could this also be coming from a fuel overflow problem?

I appreciate your wisdom regarding this.

GS750GUY

[Billy Ricks]

You would have more than one condition in that case. Float valves not seating or bad o-rings on the seats and bad baskets on the bowls.

[sscott]

Possibly the oring in the drain plug under the bowl is bad???? Just a thought.

[tfb]

If the carbs are overflowing, I have known the fuel to spew out the air-take side of the carb, and leak past the rubber flanges, etc. It also ends up in the airbox, but you can get some of the fuel dripping off the bottom of the carbs.

Also, have you considered some sort of fracture of the fuel bowl casting?

[GS750GUY]

Possibly the oring in the drain plug under the bowl is bad???? Just a thought.

Thanks sscott! But it appears the fuel is originating from higher up than the drain plugs. I should have mentioned that.

[GS750GUY]

If the carbs are overflowing, I have known the fuel to spew out the air-take side of the carb, and leak past the rubber flanges, etc. It also ends up in the airbox, but you can get some of the fuel dripping off the bottom of the carbs.

Also, have you considered some sort of fracture of the fuel bowl casting?

Thanks tfb!
When I rebuilt the carbs I did check the bowls for leaks by filling them with water and letting them sit overnight.
I just wanted to confirm that there are other ways fuel can end up dripping from the bottom of my carbs before I just assume that it is faulty bowl gaskets. It's time I clean my air filter anyway, so I will look for signs of fuel in the airbox when I clean it up.
Gs750Guy

[hampshirehog]

The overflow for the float bowl sits higher that the gasket so you often gets leaks in both places.

The O rings for the fuel screws could also be shot - she'll leak from there as well.

[Big T]

The overflow tube can come loose and it can leak around the tube itself.

Replacing the bowl is the best option