Polishing float valve seats

[F6AJ]

I will be polishing the float valve seats this week (38 & 105 jets and float valves all new).....Been told " I use 1000 grit paper or wooden stick Q tips with compound".

My question if I polish with compound, what "compound"  is best ?

Thank you
AJ

[Ferris Leets]

CLOVER brand polishing compund, comes in 440, 600, and 1200 grit.  Those are the ones I know of.  1200 is almost mirror finish on steel.

[Ricky-D]

What is it that you expect to gain from polishing the float valve seats?

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[98valk]

I think u will have nothing but problems doing that. And I believe that they are not replaceable except getting a whole new carb body.  The seats have a particular taper and finish, which u will not be able to maintain by hand.

[Westsider]

I think u will have nothing but problems doing that. And I believe that they are not replaceable except getting a whole new carb body.  The seats have a particular taper and finish, which u will not be able to maintain by hand.

+1

[bigfish_Oh]

I think u will have nothing but problems doing that. And I believe that they are not replaceable except getting a whole new carb body.  The seats have a particular taper and finish, which u will not be able to maintain by hand.

+1

+2
maybe clean them with a Q-tip and alcohol, do not let the stem touch them

[Pete]

I suspect that you will be ok with 1200 and a very light pressure and short duration.

I am guessing that you are "cleaning" then up, so be careful. Polish not resurface.

If you use a q-tip, wet it and gently form it to the seat before using the compound.

Good luck and be careful.

[F6AJ]

As always I appreciate the input from all you guys.

" What is it that you expect to gain from polishing the float valve seats?" Thanks Rick-D

I was just following the procedure told by the local dealer's Service Mrg.

On second thought,I believe I will just clean them!

AJ

[Ricky-D]

Float valve needles and seat need no maintenance.

Especially so if you are having no problems.

All it would take is an error to cause problems,
the rubber tips on the needles are delicate!

Clean the float bowls if you feel the need.

Stop listening to that service guy. He's nuts!

***

[Motomonk]

I installed 6 new needle valve in my carbs, but they still flow! How can I solve this problem? Polished valve seats? Replacement carburetor body? Please, if someone has encountered such a problem - tell me how you removed the leak.

[Ricky-D]

Stock or aftermarket needles?

Post some pictures!

All six would indicate a real material part problem.

What all did you do?

***

[sandy]

My local service shop polishes the seats with valve lapping compound on a BB. He rolls it around in the seat.

[keepinon]

I installed 6 new needle valve in my carbs, but they still flow! How can I solve this problem? Polished valve seats? Replacement carburetor body? Please, if someone has encountered such a problem - tell me how you removed the leak.

I went thru this a few weeks ago. A 98, been sitting since 2005. Rebuilt carbs, but still had bypass from the float needles. (hydro-lock) I pulled them apart again, used q-tips and spray brake cleaner to remove the laquer build up that soaking in carb cleaner missed. Re-installed, they work as they should.

The laquer buildup from today's fuels is a troublesome thing to remove from small places.

[Motomonk]

Many thanks to all who responded. I want to clarify something. Needle valve purchased from Honda. They are the same as they were before the repair. Flow, not all six. Only 3 of them. I'll try to start with brake cleaner to clean the seat. If not help, I'll polish the saddle.

[Valkpilot]

Many thanks to all who responded. I want to clarify something. Needle valve purchased from Honda. They are the same as they were before the repair. Flow, not all six. Only 3 of them. I'll try to start with brake cleaner to clean the seat. If not help, I'll polish the saddle.

I wouldn't use brake cleaner anyplace it might contact rubber or rubber-like seals or parts.  But I would use spray carb cleaner which may be more effective for localized use than the stuff you put in the tank.  I recently had to dismantle and clean the carb for a pressure washer.  The spray carb cleaner dissolved the gum and laquer from the float seat and jets almost instantly.

[Ricky-D]

I have never removed the carburetors from my Valkyrie so I don't know if the valve seats are threaded in or pressed in. I suspect they are pressed in.

I know this however: That if you modify the valve seats you will necessarily change the gasoline level (float level) in the carburetors which will affect the running of the motor. And it could be worse, possibly!

Polishing the seats (changing the profile) is modifying, anyway you call it, and since the float is non-adjustable you will be shackled with whatever the consequences of doing so, may be.

I consider that most all problems with the float/needle are due to the barrel in which the needle slides up and down. The barrel can become restricted, reducing easy movement of the needle, thereby allowing gas to flow when it should be stopped. It can also do the same in stopping gas from flowing when it should actually be allowing gas to flow.

I feel the most pro-active treatment would be to flush some carburetor cleaner through the carburetor to rid the carburetor of any buildup although I can't recommend to do so because of possible damage to the non-metal components of the carburetor from some of the more powerful agents.

***

[salty1]

I will be polishing the float valve seats this week (38 & 105 jets and float valves all new).....Been told " I use 1000 grit paper or wooden stick Q tips with compound".

My question if I polish with compound, what "compound"  is best ?

Thank you
AJ

Good ole Brasso and a Q-tip. Then clean the port with carb cleaner. Don't use sandpaper on that port, could be irreparable damage. FWIW