[Jolie4]

Ok so I decided after reading and watching several videos online that I would attempt to clean my carb for the first time as it has been sitting for 8-10 months with old gas in it and would start but die as soon as I left off on the gas.
Pulled the carb out, cleaned all the jets, screws, the bowl, etc and put it back together. Got it started up and was so proud of myself because it was actually idling on it's own but...then I realized it was leaking gas into the air filter and even continued too after shutting the ATV off. I actually had to turn off the petcock. So did some searching, pulled the carb out again to check the float which looked fine sooo now I'm wondering what my problem is. I went ahead and ordered a kit in case the float needle's bad and also noticed I couldn't see thrue one of the jets, the long skinny one with the tiny holes down the sides. Anyway now I'm waiting for the kit but I happen to find a part on the ground and have no idea where it came from. Was wondering if someone could tell me. Thought maybe it was from taking the top of the carb off where the large spring is with the long needle??? Please help

 

[Here 2 help]

Based on the size relative to your finger, my guess would be it came off the RH end of the choke shaft. Look there and let me know if I guessed right.

As to the problem of leaking gas into the air cleaner - it almost has to be the float needle and seat causing the problem. The needle seat is not replaceable, but the needle is. I use a wad of steel wool packed into the needle seat and turn it with a small flat blade screwdriver, to polish the seat. Corrosion on the needle might be the cause, but if the needle is corroded, it's best replaced than repaired.

Note: Honda puts a shut-off on the fuel so you can shut it off. It should be shut off when done riding. I have developed a habit of shutting mine off every time I stop to take a break or whatever. I also drain my carb at the end of each day to prevent the carb from gumming up when setting unused. I race and although an injury kept me off my ride from Oct. 2008 to May of 2010, when I was ready to ride again, all I had to do was put fresh gas in the tank, turn it on and start the engine. I haven't cleaned or had to rebuild a carb on one of my own machines since 1978. I haven't even had the carb off my 04 CRF.

 

[Jolie4]

Still having trouble

Got the carb rebuild kit, took it apart again, replaced the jets, o-rings, screws, springs and needle put it back together, turned the gas on and it started pouring into the air filter tube, down into the box and onto the ground again....not sure what else to do since there is no needle seat...do you think this means the carb needs replaced? I actually had this happen last summer and hadn't ever messed with the carb...could it possibly be another issue? Frustrated Thanks in advance

 

[Here 2 help]

There IS a needle seat - it is either brass and pressed into the carb body or it was cut directly into the carb casting.

First, throw the float into a bowl of liquid and make sure it floats. About 2/3 of the float will be under the liquid. I usually float them in lacquer thinner because I always have a can on the work bench and it has about the same viscosity as gasoline.

Use a magnifying glass to inspect the hole the tapered point of the needle seats into for cracks or corrosion. Very minor imperfections may be repaired by polishing the hole by spinning a wad of steel wool pressed into the hole with a small screwdriver. Minor imperfections may be repaired by putting a small steel BB (just small enough to fit into the needle hole) into the hole and using a brass rod against the BB, gently tap the BB against the hole. Then polish with steel wool. Large imperfections have to be corrected by gently spinning a drill bit (use your fingers) against the seat, followed by the BB method and polishing with steel wool.

Good luck.