Motorcycle Repair: nighthawk carbs, correct screw, pod filters

Question
QUESTION: Hi, 84 nighthawk 700s, would barely run, I cleaned carbs now gas coming out of port on bottom of fuel bowl. Also changed to pod filters. What did I do wrong? thanks for your time...........James.

ANSWER: Hi James,

There I suspect you are saying that there is gas coming out of the drain hole in the bottom of the carb float bowl. If this is the case, then check to see if the drain screw on the bottom of the float bowl is present and is in and tightened all the way. This drain screw regulates if gas can be drained through that drain hole.

Also, if you are using pod filters, then you will have to rejet the carbs. If you are running the stock exhaust, then you need around a 132 main jet. If you are running an aftermarket exhaust or if the baffles are removed, then you will need around a 136 main jet.

Not sure if you are aware, but DynoJet makes a jet kit for this bike. Very worthwhile in my opinion since you have pod filters.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jeff, the drain screw is in and tight, that's why I'm confused. Any ideas? Thanks for the info on the jetting..............James.

Answer
James, if you haven't done so, remove the screw from the bottom of the leaky float bowl and inspect it...make sure it is the correct screw and it is not too short or broken.
If it looks fine, then you might have to take the carbs off again for a better look.
Another possibility is that the carb is leaking from the top of the float bowl (possibly from a bad seal) and it is running down the side of the float bowl and it looks like its running out of the drain hole.
Also, are the breather tubes hooked up? If not, check to see if the gas is leaking from the breather tube connector on the carb.