RD350 carb help

[gwcrim]

My lil old RD350 is dripping fuel out of it's carb tubes.  I bought the bike 3 years ago.  It's got 2900 miles on it and I'm sure the carbs had to have been gone through just to get it to run.

The needle and seats are metal and appear in good shape.  It's got two floats per carb and they all weigh about 3-4 grams.  I know the petcock needs rebuilt but why are the carbs dripping? 

[Goat]

The old metal needles are picky. When you look at the tip if there is any hint of a ring they will leak. Also the smallest of dust particles will cause the leaking. Could be the float height as well. I've had float hold fuel before so that may be something to look into. Shake them and if you hear any fluid in there throw them out and get new ones. Hope this helps.

[Coop]

After you do what Goat suggested, check the tubes in the float bowl. Sounds crazy but I had one that would not stop leaking even after replacing all the needles and seats. Turns out the float tubes had hairline cracks in them, which means they leak regardless of float height and fuel level in the bowl. A little JB weld and they never dripped again  .

[DoldGuy]

GWCrim,

http://www.rzrd500.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=923150d10b6d15085a26a14ac00c2992

I want to see some pics of that thing (Purple or Orange?

DoldGuy

[gwcrim]

My theory is that the petcock seals have gotten worse and causing more fuel to leak by the metal needle & seat.  The gas cap needs seals too.  $70.00 just for tank/cap seals.  JEEESE!  The bike runs fine otherwise, so I'll leave the carbs alone for now.

Take a looky here for pics:

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,4572.0.html

[DoldGuy]

Crim,

I had on just like that as a young fellow. My neighbor had a XS650 & it would piss him off that the little 350 would eat him up so easily.
That is probably the cleanest RD I have seen!

Here is my 2 stroke street love, 6629 original miles & all stock except the pipes, still have the originals to put back on though.

[gwcrim]

I almost got an RZ and have always lusted after them.  I decided on the RD because of the funky, retro, old school, sleeper look, air cooled, chromed fenders and all...

[demographic]

My theory is that the petcock seals have gotten worse and causing more fuel to leak by the metal needle & seat.  The gas cap needs seals too.  $70.00 just for tank/cap seals.  JEEESE!  The bike runs fine otherwise, so I'll leave the carbs alone for now.

Take a looky here for pics:

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,4572.0.html

Very nice indeed, my brother had one when I was a kid.
I assume you have looked on the Aircoold RD forum?
http://www.aircooledrdclub.co.uk/forum/default.asp
Always seem a friendly bunch.

[gwcrim]

I think I've hit all the RD forums.  Probably read USA Two Strokers more than any.

I bought all new rubber seals for the petcock and gas cap.... to the freakin' tune of about $75!  Put new seals in the forks too.  Dust covers:  $50.  GEEEEZE!  It needs rear shocks as the original ones were painted black because they rusted so badly.  The PO also replaced the ignition switch with a universal one and drilled the mounts off for the original switch.  These are only cosmetic items so I can address them as I wish.

Anyway, Ardy (I name my street bikes) should be on the road next week.