VL acts like it's running out of gas....but

[T. Cotten]

Thanks, Tom. Nothing I've read matches the symptoms.

Rich!

Please do not chase your tail over "symptoms".
No two vacuum leaks act the same except those that prevent the machine from running at all.

The bubble-test is a simple diagnostic that either eliminates the variable, or pin-points it exactly.

A simple test for buoyancy of your float is to drop it into a jar of fuel, lever attached.JARTST10.jpg


....Cotten

[frichie68]

Rich!

Please do not chase your tail over "symptoms".
No two vacuum leaks act the same except those that prevent the machine from running at all.

The bubble-test is a simple diagnostic that either eliminates the variable, or pin-points it exactly.

A simple test for buoyancy of your float is to drop it into a jar of fuel, lever attached.[ATTACH=CONFIG]13743[/ATTACH]


....Cotten

My cork float is definitely not leaking!

[T. Cotten]

My cork float is definitely not leaking!

Rich!

Consider then that it may be rubbing the side of the bowl, preventing it from fully opening upon demand.

The simple test then would be to invert the carburetor several times, sucking upon the fuel inlet to assure it opens and shuts securely.

Then its on to the next variable..

....Cotten

[frichie68]

Rich!

Consider then that it may be rubbing the side of the bowl, preventing it from fully opening upon demand.

The simple test then would be to invert the carburetor several times, sucking upon the fuel inlet to assure it opens and shuts securely.

Then its on to the next variable..

....Cotten

From my 1st post:"Carb disassembled and cleaned, no debris found.-Cork float was blistered on one side(modern gas?), sanded smooth and recoated with model airplane dope.....no change." I neglected to note that while the bowl was off, I lightly wire brushed (Dreml tool) the inside of the bowl to ensure the float wasn't hanging up there. I've done 2 or 3 test rides since then, still with no change.
I still believe it's heat-related which would point towards electrics, but not discounting anything.
If it was easy I wouldn't be posting my stupid questions here, rather keep my ignorance to myself!

[T. Cotten]

If it was easy I wouldn't be posting my stupid questions here, rather keep my ignorance to myself!
[/FONT][/COLOR]

Forgive me Rich,

I was only relating a common problem many folks encounter, even myself in the past.
With today's fuels, swelling can occur without warning,...
(and I found AeroGloss was no match for my local Shell Premium).

Only by inverting the entire carb and bowl to suck upon the valve can the float position and clearance be certain, and in your case, I suggest several positions to see if it possibly sticks closed.
The variables for this include wear patterns upon the floatlever "fingers":
FNGRWER.jpgFNGRWRX.jpg
You are now at the mercy of your own observations,

.....Cotten

[Sidehacker]

Did you in fact try a different coil?. Because I did have the exact same problem and it was the coil.

[frichie68]

Did you in fact try a different coil?. Because I did have the exact same problem and it was the coil.

Don't have access to one, wish I did. Tried a couple more things but want to test it in the morning before going public.
Prescription.jpg

[frichie68]

Success! A nice 32 mile test ride without a hiccup. Nervous the whole time, waiting for the failure that didn't happen.
The fix: Steve was right about the leather gas cap seals. Mine are home-made from deer skin, thought they'd "breathe" a bit and allow some air in, obviously not enough. Reluctant to remove them completely, I cut a slot in the leather next to the highest vent hole in the cap....It worked!
0817141529.jpg
Thinking about it now, the seals aren't logical. They MAY prevent SOME overflow to the paint, but you still can't fill your tanks higher than an inch or two below the bottom of the fillers.
Thank ALL you guys for the great responses and fresh ideas, I was frustrated beyond belief. THIS is the absolute best, most knowledgeable forum/website in existence.
I love old bikes because of their simplicity, believe a "black box" should contain tools-not electrics. Even with the simplicity, we sometimes have glitches that test our (mine, anyway) sanity. Friends like you help make the frustrations worthwhile, the fixes even more so.
Thank You so much, you guys are the best.

[Jim]

Glad you got that figured out!

Hmmm.... believe it or not... I have NEVER run any gaskets on my gas caps and... I didn't know they were supposed to have them. Granted... I never fill them up either AND I have been known to run out of gas. Swishing the bike/tank back and forth isn't a very good gas gauge!

However, I DO have a cork gasket on my 1965 Honda CB160 though... should have realized that H-D should have one too.

[frichie68]

Glad you got that figured out!

Hmmm.... believe it or not... I have NEVER run any gaskets on my gas caps and... I didn't know they were supposed to have them. Granted... I never fill them up either AND I have been known to run out of gas. Swishing the bike/tank back and forth isn't a very good gas gauge!

However, I DO have a cork gasket on my 1965 Honda CB160 though... should have realized that H-D should have one too.

I'd bet the Honda is vented different. At this point, I don't think VL's are supposed to have them at all.....?
My best gas gauge is my odometer!

[frichie68]

One last question: Did VL's EVER have gas cap gaskets/seals originally?
I've heard/read the term "NOS leather seals", don't see them in any parts book. NOS made by HD? Aftermarket? Steve-what do you think?

[wideglide38]

Rich, Glad you figured out the issue. Your comments reminded me what an ole timer told me years ago and that I sometimes forget . . "start with the simple things first." I found p/n 3509-16 (Tank Cap Washer) in my '35 parts manual - see attached. No mention of material type and I assume a seal.......
William

[Shaky Jake]

Rich, Glad you figured out the issue. Your comments reminded me what an ole timer told me years ago and that I sometimes forget . . "start with the simple things first." I found p/n 3509-16 (Tank Cap Washer) in my '35 parts manual - see attached. No mention of material type and I assume a seal.......
William

Just order one. They're only a nickel...


Kevin

.

[frichie68]

Rich, Glad you figured out the issue. Your comments reminded me what an ole timer told me years ago and that I sometimes forget . . "start with the simple things first." I found p/n 3509-16 (Tank Cap Washer) in my '35 parts manual - see attached. No mention of material type and I assume a seal.......
William

Good eye, William! I RE-looked at the fine print in my book and there it is.
Still makes me wonder, though....the tank HAS to vent somewhere, somehow.

[frichie68]

Just order one. They're only a nickel...


Kevin

.

Right, also ordered 2 of the 70 cent gas caps, they should be here any day now.