Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Fuel in the air box

Hi All,recently my ride would not start.I checked everything electrically,including a spark at the plug,all ok.I could smell fuel by this point so as an afterthought i though i would check the air filter. On looking inside the filter was literally swimming in fuel through my constant attempts to start it that morning.I am considering one or both the float needles worn or dirty. Has anyone else got any thoughts? Thanks.

I would say that one or both of your floats are stuck in the float bowl causing the carb to continually overfill.
The overflowing fuel is then running back into the airbox.

Let's try simple first. Turn off the fuel tap, drain the bowls.Drain the airbox. Take the plastic handle of a screwdriver and give the bowls a nice tap or three. Turn the fuel tap on and see if the bike will start. If so add a half can of seafoam to the tank and give the bike a nice ride. Hopefully that solves the issue. Remember to turn the fuel tap off after a days ride.

Check your oil!!!! See if any fuel leaked down to the sump by way of the rings. Try and smell it or see if the oil level is higher than usual.
CHECK BEFORE YOU TRY AND START IT!!

Hi thanks for the reply,I have also ordered a rebuild kit for the carbs whilst they are on my bench for cleaning. A new set of float needles cannot do any harm.

Don't just slap then in, float level has to be set correctly.