Home Forums Gear Horses and ATV's Carburetor float

As long as I am rebuilding the carburetor on my Yamaha Timberwolf (250cc, 1995), I thought I might as well replace the float. It appears that the carb rebuild kit I plan to order does not come with a replacement float, and I can't find one that does.

Do floats come as universal replacements? I can't seem to find anything specific about the float for my carb.
Is it necessary to replace the float, if the float looks good?

Sorry for the rookie questions. This is my first experience with rebuilding a carb.

Thanks.
Steve

Never had to replace the float on any of the bikes I have worked on. I dont see why you should need to replace it.

Agreed. The floats on the modern carbs are very, very reliable. When I have replaced one to correct a leaking carb, it didn't do a thing to correct the problem. And I've never seen one wear out from bumping and sliding around inside. The metal hinge pivots, yes, but not the floats themselves. And I've seen machines run with many tens of thousands of miles on them.

Thanks. I'm going to order the carb kit and not worry about the float.

Steve

If it's metal float, it should outlast the machine. Fiber or plastic floats can eventually absorb enough gas so they ride lower than they should. They never come with the kit because they're seldom replaced.

I don't know about all of them, but Honda, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Yamaha have used carburetors which utilize plastic floats for many years how. Lawnmowers and other utility equipment are more likely to use metal or cork floats, and are also more likely to leak. (Corrosion is perhaps the most likely cause of the pinhole leaks metal floats sometimes experience. And the coating on a cork float can crack or wear through, resulting in a "heavy" float.)

If you are worried about the float you can order one from your local dealer.

Jus besure to change the needle and seat that is under the flap of the float.

Just besure to change the needle and seat that is under the flap of the float.

why?

That is a wear item that is often over looked, the float regulates it. As has been mention very seldom that float will go bad, but he needle and seat will show wear over ime. Not a big ticket item but good idea to change while you are doing.

Have you checked your plugs to see how you are running? They will tell you if you are running rich or lean. Be a good time to change main jet size if need be.

HAVE A NICE DAY