Leaky carb :'(

Hi there! I haven't posted in a couple years, last time I posted I was having electrical issues with my bike and got some great advice but I ended up letting my friend it for me. I'm determined with my carb issues though, however this is my first time working on a four carb bike and I'm having some issues!

I bought my 1982 XJ750 maxim a few years ago and I don't know how often the previous owner rode it or maintained it. The idle has always been a little iffy so I took the carbs off to see what's what and they're now pristine and should be fine, but carb #2 is now leaking gas! It only leaks when the bike is running or petcock is set to prime, so the petcock is working fine.

I've triple checked float level and needle, and thoroughly cleaned the carbs but I guess it's always possible I missed something.
Asides from the float what could cause this leak? The gasket seemed fine to my eyeballs but I'm thinking there could be a tiny flaw I should just replace it? I'm just wondering if you guys have any other ideas on what could suddenly cause this little drippy leak. Thanks in advance!!

And yes I'm planning on doing an oil change after it's all fixed haha

 

Could be stuck open. Could be a piece of crud in between the seat and needle - do you have a fuel filter installed?

 

I do not, but that is a great reminder that I have one ready to install. I was planning on taking the carbs off the bike anyways so I'll check for stuff under the needles. Never thought about it getting stuck open!

 

Just an update, the problem solved itself!! I guess it was a slightly stuck float, I let the carbs sit with some gas in them overnight and absolutely no leaks this morning!

 

Sometimes if you tap on the float bowl with a screwdriver that can free up the float too.

 

Great news! But would still get that filter on - cheap insurance.