kaw leaking gas from carb vent

[nova385]

I have a kaw fc420v that will start to leak fuel out of the carb vent tube. I took the float bowl off and made sure the float was moving. Put it back together- ran it for 20 min. no laeks. Mower sat for 12 hours and started to leak again. I belive it is the needle and seat not closing making the float bowl overfill and run out the vent. But I do not want to order parts (3-4 days) to find that it did not fix it.
Anyone ever had this problem?

[Jimbo]

It could be float "level", and or needle and seat. I had the same problem with that engine. I replaced the needle and it was fine for a few months. Now it started to leak a little bit again. I just Keep the fuel shut-off when I am not running the engine.

Order the parts because what else can you do? You need to rebuild the carb, but don't go into it too far unless you know what your doing. And dont adjust any screw.

Good Luck..Let me know if you find it's something else.

[nova385]

the float was full of fuel causing it not to colose the needle and seat - new float ordered- $20
Kaw must be proud of there parts.

[sdwally]

Replace the needle and seat. To check the float level you must have the carb off the machine. Remove the bowl and hold the carb upsidedown. The float in the closed postion should be parallel to the rim of the bowl. If not make adjustments to the float tang that valve hangs on.

[Jimbo]

Good point about how to adjust float level (this is the correct proceedure).

I also always check the float for holes to, but this was not the problem with mine (plus it was all aluminum) so it would be hard to get a hole anyway.

[KathysLGC]

I have the same engine problem. Mine was fine until I cleaned the carb with carb cleaner. Now I have to turn the gas off when sitting. I used the same carb cleaner in a giant vac blower 8hp and now it leaks when running. I figured carb cleaner was part of a tune up. Guess I was wrong. If I take the carb out of the kaw will I damage a seal or gasket? I would like to check the things you guys pointed out.

[grasmo]

you have got about a 50/50 chance with the gaskets. most of the time if the engine doesn't have alot of miles on it, you should be ok. grasmo.