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Fuel Level Gauge (tool for carburetor)

  • Thread starter Thread starter bexabarr
  • Start date Start date
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bexabarr

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Anyone ever make one of these? This is info for kz bikes... I guess it is a special tool (saw it on some webpage, and they were selling it for $69!!!).. but the old KZ have similar carbs (that's how I came across this)... let me know if you guys have made this tool and if it works. Should be pretty easy to make.
CarbFloats.jpg
 
A lot of members check their float bowl levels like this because various service manuals recommend it as the proper way of checking the fuel level. Instead of buying expensive tools, many members either find a hose fitting that fits into the float bowl drain opening and just attach a piece of clear flexible tubing to it, or I think a few members have even found bolts to match their float bowl drain plugs and drilled holes down through them with a clear hose attached somehow.
As I recall, one guy even took an old float bowl and cut a square window into it and sealed it up with clear plastic and sealant. He basically made a window to look in and verify the fuel level. These home-made tools are really easy to make so try taking a trip to the local hardware store and make one before you go spending too much money on a "tool".
Good luck.
 
Yeah... I wouldn't even spend $5 for this tool, let alone $69 lol. This is the wet method of checking the floods right? To compensate for the lost "buoyancy" of the floats or something like that. I liked the picture and I felt like sharing it. I'm going to make my own tool this week... the window thing may be bit overkill for me though :). Thanks.
 
How about measuring the volume of fuel instead of measuring fuel height in the carb ?
The GS850GT carbs take about 45 mls of fuel at the correct float adjustment.
Anything less than 40 mls is too low and 50 mls is too high.
So to check it, you need a measuring cylinder (or make your own from a narrow glass pre-marked at the correct level). Put the bike on centre stand, run the engine for a few seconds to let the carbs fill to their levels, disconnect the fuel line and drain it (otherwise it will add a few mls to the first carb drained).
Then drain each carb in turn and measure the volume.
The advantage is that you can carry out the check anytime, without dismantling the carbs.
 
LOL.. so simple :)

When measuring the bowls using the wet method.. I would assume it would take a lot of trial and error... meaning a lot of installing and removing the carbs. Unless of course you were to fill the carbs off the bike. How do you guys normally go about doing this? I'm relatively new to all this, and until now have always used the less accurate dry method.

Thanks.
 
The wet method of draining the carbs and measuring the level seems to me the best method but how do you drain the fuel line to the carbs and the connecting fuel passages to each carb without removing the carbs from bike. Ted
 
If you find some small diameter clear vinyl hose, you can screw it directly into the drain screw hole on many of the models - not elegant, but very functional.

I have the factory Kawasaki tools and they are useful (but very expensive).
 
knotzilla said:
The wet method of draining the carbs and measuring the level seems to me the best method but how do you drain the fuel line to the carbs and the connecting fuel passages to each carb without removing the carbs from bike. Ted
Click to expand...

I simply remove the fuel line from the tank and drain off as much as possible into a small glass jar (its only a couple of mls).
Also, I guess that the first carb drained has a couple of "extra" mls from the internal fuel lines.
It aint rocket science - just a quick rough n' ready check to make sure carbs are filled.
 
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I drilled an old float bowl drain screw with an 1/8" bit straight through. Then I counter sunk the first 1/4" with a 1/4" drill bit. Then I found at the hardware store a hollow brass sleeve with a 1/4" o.d. and hammered it into the hole. Then I attached some clear vinyl tubing to it. Then I had a beer, smiled at my accomplishment and threw it in the tool box and never used it at all.
 
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