Z1OwnersClub GB

Hi Guys. Not been on for a while so apologies for just jumping back in.
My bike has been sitting in my garage for some time after its restoration.
I decided to take a look and found a few problems.

1. Bike started first time!!!! However there was petrol leaking from every carb orifice. Think it was mainly from the float chamber gasket. these were brand new and the bike has had little use. Is this typical? Came out so quickly like it was under pressure!
2. Getting a fair bit of corrosion on the aluminium parts. White salts i guess and some black spotting. Is the a safe easy clean for this?

Has the Ali been vapour or sonic cleaned, white fur does occur after, clean with a rag and wd40. Sound like the tank is under pressure, is the tank vent clear and bike in the sun or hot garage.

I have just got this problem. Float bowl gaskets have failed on all 4 carbs after 6 weeks. replacing with Keyster kits, I got the original kits from a German seller on ebay, I'll try and find the make and post here. Got the Keysters from NRP.

Well sorry to hear some are having the same problems but a relief it can happen.

let me know what the replacement gaskets are. i will check the tank and air line.
I'll get onto the WD 40 and see if it helps. I must admit i have left most things dry so I'm guessing they need some lubrication.

I should clarify, I am replacing the failed gaskets with Keyster, I have used these before with no issue

ACF-50 is much better than WD-40, everyone should check it out

for the corrosion part that is, not the fuel leak

I use Keyster rebuild kits and would recommend them.
However, note that their bowl gaskets do seem to be a tad wider than standard and can occasionally catch on the floats, causing them to flood.
Something to watch out for.
Also, if the bike has been stood for some time with the carbs drained, the fuel T-pieces can dry out and the rubber shrinks and they leak.
Soaking them in cellulose thinners overnight swells them back up. (You can do it with petrol but it takes a lot longer!).
I usually spray a little WD40 in carb bodies after they have been cleaned. ACF50 is brilliant stuff, but I don't use it on carb bodies.

Some great advise.

I might just turn the petrol tap on tonight and see what happens.
Pop the tank cap to make sure not too much pressure. It was hot!

Going to get some ACF 50 and check it out.

Just bee reluctant to use anything on what was a perfect finish from Steve Smethurst 2 years ago now.

Still in shock it stared first time having shamefully neglected what was and still is my pride and joy.

What ACF 50 product do you guys use? spray, bottle ??

So I turned petrol tap on last night and guessing the float bowls have filled and leaks. That's not to say if I try to start the bike I'm going to get covered again.


Tried the WD 40 what a difference. Have now ordered the AFC 50 in the spray can.


Thanks for the continued support.

You can use a carburetor or contact cleaner to maintain a Smethurst cleaned engine as advised by the man himself.Store the bike over winter covered and a 2ft tubular heater within to prevent furring of the cases.
Regards
Steve

Thanks for that Steve and will do.

Just for the thread. Started bike tonight. Nooooooooo petrol anywhere. maybe the carbs were dry and the petrol helped but all good so far.

I think i have been trying too hard to keep it clean and have to recognise it needs oiling!!!

If the bike hasn't been run for a long time the fuel in the carbs can evaporate and the gaskets dry out and shrink causing a leak when you first put fuel back in. Once the gasket swells they seal again and stop the leak/s.

On the subject of carbs & petrol; what's the general consensus on leaving fuel in the carbs when the bike is left unused for lenghty periods of say a month or so?