Question about draining fuel from carbs.

I guess the real question is how to do it?

I was told there's a valve/plus/screw I can remove to drain the fuel from the carbs, but not sure where its at, so if this is true, pics would be appreciated.

TYVM

 

The nipple in the middle of the carb bowl (Hitachi carbs) is where you connect a 1/4" hose. The screw to the right in the pic that is flush with the bowl is the screw to open the flow.

The Mikuni carbs work the same way, but they do not have the nipple so you have to make your own, or order them from XJ4Ever.

 

Mikuni drain screws; the drain ports are the open holes facing rearward, just to the right of the drain screws in the pic.




These are the left pair of carbs; there are drain screws on each carb. You can also clearly see the main idle knob in this pic, if you're interested.

When I drain mine in the spring, I simply wad a whole bunch of paper shop towels in behind the carbs and open the screws.

 

Thank You Sirs

 

Just because I'm an idiot and this is my first bike and my learning curve is pretty steep, but I drain like this:

[b]RIGHT SIDE OF BIKE[/b]


[b]LEFT SIDE OF BIKE[/b]


[b]Pan for gas run off...[/b]


Also want to make sure its clear that I'm doing this with the carbs still installed!?

 

Correct.

Doing what?

Draining them? Sure.

Checking float levels? Only if you can prop up the bike so the carbs are level front to back and side to side. The other drawback to this is that if any need adjusting, the rack has to come off anyway.

 

I just need it to run, so I can take it to the shop Tuesday.

Also wanna thank you all for the fas replies and vast knowledge.

I probably would have gave up on this bike awhile ago if not for this site.

 

OK; so why are we draining the carbs? Were you planning to check the float levels?

And does that drain screw on carb #1 have any hope of being unscrewed?

Why are you taking it to a shop?

 

Methinks those left side drain screws might be somewhat reluctant!! ....and we're taking to the shop because...?......I was at "the shop" yesterday...they wanted $360 for a pair of Bridgestone Spitfires. I showed them a couple of quotes [from on-line sources] for $66 front and $69 rear....they just...well.....looked at me! So my new tires are on the way with bead breaker/tire levers...etc all for $150 less...than "the shop"......

Dave

 

I was draining the carbs because it was sitting for 6 months and the people I've talked to have said that having the fluids sit in there for so long and the battery just sitting there are no bueno. So I was told to drain and change the fluids, charge the battery and I should be good.

I have an extractor tool, and we have a motorcycle salvage yard that's open 7 days a week, so I should be pretty good, as far as the screw goes... The outer left was the only one that gave me a issue.


I'm taking it to the shop because I don't really have the time to clean the carbs correctly and tune it up... The shop I'm going to was referred to me by a guy with a 81 XJ, and he has had it for 30yrs and has taken it there every Spring to get work. Not to mention a lot of the vintage and older bike riders in the community here recommend this place.