Motorcycle Repair: Honda 1979 CX500, gal tank, float valves

Question
Just getting back into riding and picked up this bike. Runs great but ran out of fuel, or so I thought a few weeks ago. Refilled 3.3 gal tank with 2 gallons so I thought fuel screen may be clogged. Removed it(clogged), cleaned and replaced, no other adjustment at this time. Went to ride today and had Lots of fuel from bowl  tube(s). Running fine , just spilling. Floats stuck open? On bike repair or cleaning?
Thanks in advance

Answer
Tim, When bikes sit for a long time all kinds of stuff happens to the fuel system. A thorough clean and check over of all fuel delivery items is a great idea. You could try to just drain the float bowls on the bike and see what comes out. It is kind of hard to remove the bowls with carbs in place, as I recall, but if you have some of the right type of small Phillips screwdrivers, you may get them off. There are other diaphragms and parts that are worth inspecting, so it is really the best idea to remove the carbs, clean and inspect for worn/damaged parts and then you don't have to worry about them for awhile.

Sounds like there is dirt/debris that is holding the floats open just slightly. There are O-rings around the float valves and elsewhere that could be leaking, too.
Check the fuel tank carefully for any signs of rust, water, dirt etc. that may be getting past the filters and down the fuel lines into the float valves and jets.

Bill Silver