QuestionHello Bill, I just noticed that when I returned from a short ride that gas was dripping out of the carb overflow tube. Also the bike is very hard to start when cold. Any thoughts? Many thanks, Rod
AnswerRod, fuel coming from the overflow tube indicates a couple of possibilities.....
Float valve is worn/dirty and not sealing off at the correct fuel level.
Remove float bowl, float and float valve to inspect for wear/damage or contamination.
Float setting is excessively high.
If float is adjustable (not all plastic), then the float height must be checked to specifications. You didn't give a year, so I don't know the specifics of your model. Check with your Honda dealer or on-line sources, such as www.xrsonly.com
Hard starting may be due to carburetor flooding the engine with raw fuel when it is turned off and sitting overnight. You might also want to check the valve clearances to ensure that you can generate maximum compression when starting the engine.
In rare cases, the brass tube of the overflow tube can develop a crack that allows fuel to drain out of the bowl, so when starting the engine again there is no fuel to meter into the carburetor until the bowl refills again.
Always turn the gas OFF when the bike is parked.
Bill Silver
