Burning rich on one cylinder!

[Super_cruiser]

Hi, I haven't posted in awhile, just put insurance on my 03 and went for the first ride of the year.  She was running great, I stopped to top up with some Chevron 94 and not long after I notice that it's running a little rough and smelling really rich.  Decide to shorten the ride and take her home.  Have a close look to see if I can see what's going on... one of my cobra pipes has raw fuel dripping out of it as it's idling.  I pull the plug wire that's firing that cylinder and it doesn't make much difference to how it's running but the plug wire is definetly sparking.  I remove the plug and it's definitely black and gassy.  I pull another plug and it looks good.  So I swap the plugs and restart... same problem... raw fuel outa the same pipe.

Thanks in advance for any expert advice.

[longrider]

You'll get many replies to this.   You most likely have a float stuck open.  It may require a carb rebuild with new. Floats or you may risk a hydro lock. DO NOT start the bike again until it is repaired or the plugs are removed.  It will spray gas out if the head if the intake to that cylinder is full of fuel.

[Gavin_Sons]

You'll get many replies to this.   You most likely have a float stuck open.  It may require a carb rebuild with new. Floats or you may risk a hydro lock. DO NOT start the bike again until it is repaired or the plugs are removed.  It will spray gas out if the head if the intake to that cylinder is full of fuel.

I agree

[Chrisj CMA]

At least you know which carburetor to replace the float and needle. 

[Pete]

If it is #6,  check the petcock vacuum line, if it has gas you have a failed petcock.

[Super_cruiser]

Thanks for the diagnosis longrider, I pulled all the plugs and drained the offending float bowl and, interestingly, a whole bunch of gas leaked out the tank drain hose when the drain pin was pulled.  Cranked the engine over, with the plugs out, and everything sounded and appeared normal. No gas came gushing out of the offending cylinder (drained through the vent hose maybe?)  Drained the oil, no inndications of gas then installed brand new plugs, oil and filter.  Put 4oz of Marvel Mystery oil in the tank, swished it around and fired it up.  Kept an eye on it for short while as it idled, no rich smell, no gas out the pipe.  Jumped on and went for a long ride.  She ran beautifully! I'm a happy camper.  Will keep an eye on it over the next while before I go through the chore of pulling out the carbs.  Thanks for the help.  SC

[Gavin_Sons]

Thanks for the diagnosis longrider, I pulled all the plugs and drained the offending float bowl and, interestingly, a whole bunch of gas leaked out the tank drain hose when the drain pin was pulled.  Cranked the engine over, with the plugs out, and everything sounded and appeared normal. No gas came gushing out of the offending cylinder (drained through the vent hose maybe?)  Drained the oil, no inndications of gas then installed brand new plugs, oil and filter.  Put 4oz of Marvel Mystery oil in the tank, swished it around and fired it up.  Kept an eye on it for short while as it idled, no rich smell, no gas out the pipe.  Jumped on and went for a long ride.  She ran beautifully! I'm a happy camper.  Will keep an eye on it over the next while before I go through the chore of pulling out the carbs.  Thanks for the help.  SC

the line from the petcock to the intake is not a vent line. It is a vacuum line and a direct path for gas to get in a cylinder. The idea is for the vacuum to open the diaphragm to let gas flow. When there is no vacuum, no gas. Sounds like you need to order a cover set for the petcock.