OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions on Other Engines Sanli OHV 400 Leaking fuel at carburetor.

Hi guys, This is a similar problem to one of the threads below and I was almost going to add this problem to it but it is a slightly different problem. The leak I have is not from the gasket of the bowl but for one of the orifices of the carburetor-the main air jet I think it's called. It is leaking from there although the mower starts and runs ok. If someone knows about carburetors could they please enlighten me as to what is wrong here and how can I fix it. I have already blown it out with a compressor, used carby cleaner and poked it with this wires. Nothing I have tried so far makes any difference.

I'm thinking float level too high or float needle not closing properly, how you can alter the float level or get a new needle I have no idea. First thing I would look at is the needle

Hi Norm, I've tried a different needle. I could try a different float. I guess it's basically flooding which means the float cut-off isn't working. However, when I dismantle it and I blow into the fuel line and manually push the float up it does block the air off.

Well, I went back out, convinced that you were right, and for the 500th time dismantled it again. I changed the bowl and stretched, ever so slightly, the little spring that sits on top of the needle and re-assembled everything. There was still a leak but this time it was from the bowl bolt. Started it and it went ok. I stopped it and checked for leaks and so far so good. However, I have been tricked before by this cunning mower and I am not confident yet that all is fixed.

When you push up on the float you can put a lot more pressure on the needle than the float can. Leak from the bowl bolt is an easy fix

Thanks Norm. Seems to be fixed. Bowl bolt just needed tightening and the leak from the orifice has stopped.................so far.

Things like this is where a pressure test with the carb invert will determine if the seat has a minor pressure leak which causes over flows. I use a Mityvac Vac/Pressure tester here to do this. Sure saves a lot time especially on ATVs where it is more difficult to access the carbs.

When invert the carb float valve should be able to hold 5-10 psi with leak down. If semi holds but leaks down after several minutes then seat or needle tip has a problem. If it holds and you have a over flow problem then the float level is off. When setting just don't get the fuel too low or you will have a lean out problem as opposed to being too high which can cause over rich mixture at idle and sometimes even at full throttle.

One thing I haven't tried since cleaning the seat valve grinding compound doesn't seems to repair a damage brass is to use 60 degree 6 point counter sink to rework the seat.