(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Rubber tipped float needles

J

jbp

Member
I have rebuilt 2 tractor carburetors this spring because of overflow. Both kits contained the rubber tipped float needles , both still overflow. Anyone have a solution to the problem or know of a place that still has the metal tipped needles? Thanks, Joe
 
The new rubber tipped needles need to have a set put in the in to work well from the get go. Over time they will set them self's but you can do it and that helps a good bit. What you do is drop the needle in the seat then tap on them a couple time. Pull it back out and look at the end and you should see a little ring formed in the tip if you see that then it has been set to fit. Learned that from an old carb guy who is long since gone. Also be sure to use the spring clip on them or they will stick closed and then you have the opposite problem
 
Wait a minute...

Are you SURE you're supposed to put a set in the rubber tipped needles? You guys told me NOT to a while ago...
 
(quoted from post at 15:48:18 05/05/12) Wait a minute...

Are you SURE you're supposed to put a set in the rubber tipped needles? You guys told me NOT to a while ago...
Click to expand...

Correct. I've rebuilt bunches of H and M carbs. I've never put a set in any of them. Only trouble I've had is from that new needle "sticking", which I learned is easily cured by cleaning BOTH the new needle and seat with aerosol carb cleaner before installing. A little shot of aerosol silicon lube doesn't hurt anything either.
 
Don't assume it's a needle/seat problem. I have had some kits that didn't have the proper holes punched in the bowl gasket to allow venting, thus causing drips. Might want to check it.
 

Did you check the float? To check brass floats; heat a small amount of water to boiling and submerge the float - bubbles are bad. Don't try this in the kitchen sometimes they are full of carb cleaner - not good in the house. Cork floats can be placed in a jar of gasoline and observed for a week or so. If they soak up liquid they tend to sink lower and lower.
 
(quoted from post at 19:02:38 05/05/12)
Did you check the float? To check brass floats; heat a small amount of water to boiling and submerge the float - bubbles are bad. Don't try this in the kitchen sometimes they are full of carb cleaner - not good in the house. Cork floats can be placed in a jar of gasoline and observed for a week or so. If they soak up liquid they tend to sink lower and lower.
Click to expand...

Immersing a float into BOILING water is a sure fire way to destroy that float. It will cause the air trapped inside that float to expand and basically rupture the float. Warm water is all you need. If you cannot comfortably put your fingers in it, it is TOO hot.
 

Boiling water will pressurize the float to approximately 4 psi. I have tested many in boiling water and I have not ruptured one to date. However, you can certainly test in water less than boiling if there is a concern for damage.
 
With the bowl off of the carb, gently hold the float up as though it was "floating" in gasoline. Turn on the fuel at the tank. Test the needle and seat action by lowering and raising the float. If it shuts off completely, and opens to control flow well it is good to go. Make sure the float drop doesn't allow the float to jamb, and its position is centered to not rub on the bowl. Even a hair sized piece of trash can make them leak, I do not tap them, but Old and others have success doing it. Viton rubber tips have been around for 40 years, and they are OK. Jim
 
Most high quality carb rebuild kits for cars these days use viton tipped float needles. This is because modern E10 gas eats the old rubber tipped ones, they become gumy and sticky pretty quick and cause problems.
 
(quoted from post at 09:01:47 05/08/12) Most high quality carb rebuild kits for cars these days use viton tipped float needles. This is because modern E10 gas eats the old rubber tipped ones, they become gumy and sticky pretty quick and cause problems.
Click to expand...

Those "rubber" tipped needles have always been made of Viton. It looks like rubber, so everyone calls them rubber tipped, but it never WAS rubber.

Incidently, the Viton tipped needles have been around, and in use, since sometime in the '60s. They are nothing new.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Tom in TN
NH 273 baler -clearance between needles and twine disk
Replies
6
Views
438
RodinNS
R
D
Marvel carb expert help needed
Replies
11
Views
956
docmirror
D
M
Cockshutt 540 carburetor problem
Replies
7
Views
879
scootergmc
S
A
Woods 1260 rotary mower (10 foot) blades getting out of time and hitting each other
Replies
8
Views
507
andy r
A
N
M9540 + R14 Questions
Replies
3
Views
166
damn1981
D
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top