2006 883 Custom with about 22,000 miles. Got out of the chiropractor today and found about a gallon of fuel on the ground coming from underneath the engine somewhere. Usually I am very OCD about turning my fuel off, the chiropractor usually takes about twenty minutes, but today it was more like fifty, and I hadn't turned off my fuel. Couldn't really see much and didn't feel like laying down on the pavement where I was, so I said **** it and rode the mile home. Come to think of it, kind of hard starting this morning and I had it out running errands about twenty four hours prior.

Fuel leaks when gas is turned on and doesn't when fuel is turned off. Found the tube that comes out of the bottom of the carb, and that is tucked in with what I think is an oil overflow hose, and that is where the fuel is coming from. Explained to local Harley dealer and they said they think it is a stuck float and estimated about $200 to fix.

One of my best friends who is on this forum thought we should attempt it ourselves. An hour, some carb cleaner, and a few beers later, leak is gone and my 883 runs good. We pulled the bowl off and cleaned it, the float, and the needle that the float controls. There was some grime in there but it wasn't too bad.

The screws that hold the bowl on were kind of stripped, presumably from when I had my stage one kit done when the bike was new. Didn't need to replace any gaskets but I may do them anyway this winter when I have time. This ethanol gas that they're using now sucks major ***.

Huge thanks to my good friend "FatBill" for his help and knowledge.

 

sounds like all is well now? if so, that's cool... always feels good to DIY !!