measuring float height on a VF500 Can someone explain it ?It's a mystery

I have a vf500 49 states 1986. I put out a thread on cold startinbg earlier today.
I figured I would check float levels .I consulted the Honda (grainy B&W )manual and the Clymer pics and description on measuring the float level and they show a honda tool in use. Specs call for 7.3 mm, but I cannot tell by the description or pics what or where or how you measure the float arm in relation to the carb body.
With no hoda tool I made a 7.3 mm tools by taping multiple feeler blades and checking with a digital mike.

The 7.3 mm tool cannot fit anywere under the float arm, so either my flats are 3 mm off of I am measuring wrong. Can anyone out there explain this mystery ?

 

wow that was quick. So the bowl rests in the needle?


No way in the world I could have figured it out by BOTH manuals. Is there a special place in hell for manual writers? Ill probably be shaking hands with them after cussing and throwing tools around. Ill take the measurements and report back.

 

You used "smaller" measurement twice but i figured it out. The larger masurement equals a leaner mix...right?

I will set to fatory spec and continue to tackle the cold start problem. The bike runs GREAT warm and at Op temp, but needs ether to start from dead cold.

 

Float height gauge made from creditcard.....

 

Thanks again I am tackling this today. Ill post the results.

 

I thought that the description in the Clymer was very clear. The trick is to find the angle to tilt the carb so that there is sufficient gravity on the float to have contact with the plunger on the needle, but not too much that the plunger presses into the needle.

I second TWS statement about checking to make sure that the plungers in the needles are not gummed up and that they move freely. A few of mine were gummed up.

Lastly, unless a PO messed up the float adjustment, the floats heights should be fairly close to spec. If you find you are finding large measurement variances between actual and spec then you may be measuring incorrectly.

 

I used as .010 guitar string and brake cleaner and I finally punched through the varnish in the tubes after soaking overnight.

All four tubes were clogged solid after sitting for 12 years.

Thanks again!!

 

Ernie Ball, Bullets or Dean Markley's?

Congrats! That should make a difference.