Gas leaking from #2 VM Carb Overflow line

[1979GS750E]

79GS750E...gas leaking from #2 VM carb overflow line. Is this more likely caused by a bad float valve or will a bad petcock cause this? Only carb #2 has the issue. If it's the petcock, which style/brand do you prefer?

[rustybronco]

On VM's the petcock is connected to the #3 carb.

http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/rustybronco/?action=view&current=PICT2564.jpg

[Dave8338]

79GS750E...gas leaking from #2 VM carb overflow line. Is this more likely caused by a bad float valve or will a bad petcock cause this? Only carb #2 has the issue. If it's the petcock, which style/brand do you prefer?

Sounds like a combo of both. If the petcock is working correctly there should be no fuel flowing when the bike is off. If the float valve is working correctly there should be enough pressure on the float needle to hold back the fuel head created by a non-working petcock.

[Dave8338]

On VM's the petcock is connected to the #3 carb.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...t=PICT2564.jpg

I think he's counting right to left...

[tkent02]

I think he's counting right to left...

Whichever one is leaking needs a little attention to the needle valve in the float bowl, and, if it continues to leak with the engine off the petcock has a separate problem, or it is in PRI.

[Guest]

Try tapping the float bowl, sometimes that dislodges the float needle, at least if it did you'ld know your problem.

[1979GS750E]

Thanks everybody - I got it fixed, new float valve

These float valves are funny things. They can look perfect and still not work. My dad used to blow through them to test the sealing. I did that too, but the sealing surfaces did not hold, even though the parts looked perfect. A new needle and seat cured the issue. No more overflowing.

[tkent02]

These float valves are funny things. They can look perfect and still not work. My dad used to blow through them to test the sealing. I did that too, but the sealing surfaces did not hold, even though the parts looked perfect. A new needle and seat cured the issue. No more overflowing.

Did you fix your petcock too?

[Dave8338]

Did you fix your petcock too?

You beat me to it!