leaking gas

[modaddy04]

My friend has a 2002 Honda Shadow 750 (Carb. model). When I started it up, gas started leaking from what looked like the carb, and it ran for a few minutes then died out. Here's a little background, he had it sit outside through two Chicago winters with a light cover on it. My question is, does the carb need to pulled out and have the jets cleaned out? If so, how do you pull it out cause it looks like its part of the gas tank? I have a 2002 HD Fatboy w/Mikuni carb and seems easier to work with than my friend's Kehlin carb.

[MagicRat]

I bet the float in the float bowl is either stuck down (most likely) or has become saturated with fuel. Either way, its not shutting off the gas when the carb is full and the excess gas is pouring out the overflow. This is common with engines that sit a long time unused. You might be able to free it up by gently tapping on the bottom of the carb with a hammer when the gas starts pouring out. Otherwise, you must remove the float bowl, remove the float and needle and spray in some carb cleaner and clean out the carb.

[modaddy04]

To remove the float bowl, the carb has to be pulled. I guess I'll try that and maybe cleaning out the jets. Just as long as its not the fuel lines or anything else. I think the carb might be easier to work with. Thanks 4 the advice.