Mikuni VM36 dripping fuel

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I've had the carb off to measure the float height and it was sitting at 18mm. I read it should be between 17 & 19 so I've taken it down to 17mm.
Lowering the measurement to 17mm puts more fuel in the bowl, set it at 19mm and make sure both arms are equal & parallel.
I was having the same issue with my VM36, set it at the 19mm max and it stopped the slight overflow out the tube that I was having.
 
As far as routing your fuel lines, a clever fellow here (can't remember who) suggested positioning the T below the carb on the right side, then up through the fuel filter and from there over the top of the Mik to the fuel port. The idea being any sediment settles at the lowest point (the T) the clean fuel then pushes up through the filter to the carb having lost most contaminant via gravity.
 
There's an entire faction of people who believe that carburator floats need to be as high as possible, and there's some significant difference in the venturi effect a carburator induces to consume fuel if the floats are set slightly lower. I don't believe that myself. If you are an 1/8th" lower than the highest possible height, I don't think there's enough difference in carburation to worry about it.

The thing that is significant is if the floats are high, then they leak. If they are 1/8th" low, they never leak.

I remove the filters on the petcocks in my fuel tank... Why you ask... Simple I put a clear filter in the fuel line so I can see if there's shit coming from the tank and clogging up my fuel supply. I can also turn off the petcock and change the filter or tap it out to clear it if I'm out on the road and there's a clog...

If your filter is located inside the tank, you can't clear it without draining the tank, and you can't even inspect it to know if it needs cleaning. Here's what mine looks like...

Mikuni VM36 dripping fuel
 
Lowering the measurement to 17mm puts more fuel in the bowl, set it at 19mm and make sure both arms are equal & parallel.
I was having the same issue with my VM36, set it at the 19mm max and it stopped the slight overflow out the tube that I was having.

I realised this whilst trying to get to sleep last night. I need to take the carb off again to clean the float needle & seat so will adjust it then. Cheers Chuck.
 
As far as routing your fuel lines, a clever fellow here (can't remember who) suggested positioning the T below the carb on the right side, then up through the fuel filter and from there over the top of the Mik to the fuel port. The idea being any sediment settles at the lowest point (the T) the clean fuel then pushes up through the filter to the carb having lost most contaminant via gravity.

Ah, one thing I've got right!
 
There's an entire faction of people who believe that carburator floats need to be as high as possible, and there's some significant difference in the venturi effect a carburator induces to consume fuel if the floats are set slightly lower. I don't believe that myself. If you are an 1/8th" lower than the highest possible height, I don't think there's enough difference in carburation to worry about it.

The thing that is significant is if the floats are high, then they leak. If they are 1/8th" low, they never leak.

I remove the filters on the petcocks in my fuel tank... Why you ask... Simple I put a clear filter in the fuel line so I can see if there's shit coming from the tank and clogging up my fuel supply. I can also turn off the petcock and change the filter or tap it out to clear it if I'm out on the road and there's a clog...

If your filter is located inside the tank, you can't clear it without draining the tank, and you can't even inspect it to know if it needs cleaning. Here's what mine looks like...

Mikuni VM36 dripping fuel

That's true. I don't like that I can't see the filters in the tank.. whilst I'm at this stage I may drain the tank & take them out, then all sediment will collect in the visible filters & I can keep tabs on it.

Out of curiosity, what hose clips are those? I'm using some worm drive clips at the minute but they're very bulky.
 
You have a Mikuni not Amals, use a wire spring clip on the pipe that goes to the carb itself to facilitate rapid removal, the spigots are designed for that and this is what most Japanese bikes have as OEM kit.

My choice on the 'assembly' of hoses, T pieces and tank spigots is O Clips, a permanent no leak solution. You only need to cut them off when the whole set of fuel hose needs replacing.

Worm drive or 'Jubilee' clips distort and rarely remain tight and leak free for life!

As for the needle valve assembly, just change it for new when cleaning up the carb. Then maintain the cleanliness you need with the new parts and wherever you choose to have the filters.

You have a bike valued at several thousand pounds whatever condition it is in, spend the £25!

Just make sure Steve gives you the most suitable flow rate one, which may or may not be the one you have fitted.
 
NPeteN is correct, I was shown by previous owner to always leave a bottom half loop in fuel line for sediment and no filter , his thinking was if filter plugged out on road-it could be difficult getting bike home if you could not clear filter , the line is easy to clear at roadside and continue on your way , has worked for me since ‘07 ....I do drain lines & tank for storage late fall each year , so far have had no issues during Ride season ....
 
I have never used a filter on my Norton other than the gauze filters in the petcocks (both are reserve petcocks) and the gauze filter that is OEM in the Amals.
 
Yes screens are on fuel taps in the tank as well , one is reserve ...
 
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