Motorcycle Repair: Honda FT500 Carb issues, honda ft500, silicone sealers

Question
Hi Bill,
I have a fuel leak from the rear of the carb where the float bowl attaches to the body when the accelerator pump is used. I can see that there is no gasket there as I can see a 1mm gap between the body of the carb and the float bowl. There is no provision for a gasket either as in the float bowl. Would silicone sealer do the job or what else can you recommend.
Regards,
Gordon

Answer
Gordon... From your description, it sounds like the accel pump diaphragm is faulty. This carb has both accel pump and air cut diaphragms that need replacing at this time I imagine. There is a molded float bowl gasket for the float bowl itself and the fuel does pass through the gasket when it is pumped on acceleration.

Go to:
http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/ and check the illustrations for this model and to see an exploded view of your carburetor.

Silicone sealers are NOT fuel proof and will just turn all globby when it gets exposed to gasoline.

Bill Silver