
The float valve has three main components: an orifice (seat), a needle, and a float. The needle rides inside the orifice. When the needle is forced all the way in it blocks the orifice and stops fuel from flowing into the float bowl. Fuel can flow into the float bowl when the needle is retracted from the orifice. The movement of the needle is controlled by the float position.
How to replace a float valve?
- Turn Off Water. To start, turn off the water at the mains.
- Unscrew Feed pipe. Wear protective gloves, knee pads, goggles and a dust mask as fibreglass insulation can cause respiratory and skin irritation.
- Detach Feed Pipe.
- Undo Retaining Nut.
- Insert New Ball Valve.
- Reattach Feed Pipe.
- Check for Leaks.
How to diagnose valve float?
•Step 2: Drain the fuel, and let it push the float
- Close the fuel valve if your lawnmower has one
- Open the drain plug present under the carburetor
- Place a collector pan under the carburetor to collect the gas.
- The flow of fuel with pressure from the bowl can remove the clogging element and free the bowl
- Carefully reinstall the plug and clean the area for any gas spillage
What makes a needle to float in water?
- A bowl
- Water, enough to fill the bowl at least halfway
- Liquid dish soap
- A rubber band
- A metal sewing pin
How to float a needle over the surface of water?
However, there is a trick to make it float:
- Make sure the needle is dry and not soapy.
- Tear off a square-ish piece of the toilet paper slightly larger than the needle in all directions.
- Put the needle on top of the paper.
- Gently lower the paper onto the water.
- Wait for the paper to sink - you may want to very gently push the edges down to help it.

What is the purpose of float needle?
The carburetor float needle, moved by the float, controls fuel flow, maintaining the fuel level in the chamber. As suggested by its name, the “float” needs to float in the fuel, so it's usually made of hollow plastic, metal or fuel-resistant foam — some were made of cork in the old days.
How does a float needle valve work?
The float valve has three main components: an orifice (seat), a needle, and a float. The needle rides inside the orifice. When the needle is forced all the way in it blocks the orifice and stops fuel from flowing into the float bowl. Fuel can flow into the float bowl when the needle is retracted from the orifice.
How do you fix a stuck or worn floating needle valve?
1:122:48Float Stuck! How to Fix Your Carburetor Float if it is ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNot not a hammer please don't use a hammer cuz this is just a straight cast metal and aluminum. SoMoreNot not a hammer please don't use a hammer cuz this is just a straight cast metal and aluminum. So what it'll do is just wait a couple cops like that just tap on it.
What is the purpose of needle valve in carburetor?
Needle valves are usually used in flow-metering applications, especially when a constant, calibrated, low flow rate must be maintained for some time, such as the idle fuel flow in a carburettor.
How do I know if my floating needle is bad?
1:5411:15Float needle inspection and seat testing on a Keihin or Mikuni Carb ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf this thing will hold it you hear it pop. Okay. I've got I'm only getting about three psi. I thinkMoreIf this thing will hold it you hear it pop. Okay. I've got I'm only getting about three psi. I think this float needs replaced or the needle I'm sorry.
How do I know if my carburetor float is stuck?
Engine misfiring: Another indicator or symptom of a sticking carburetor float is when the motor stalls or the engine fails. One or two cylinders do not get enough fuel or get too much fuel when the spark plugs give a spark. This occurs when the float is trapped, either in the open or in the closed position.
How do you clean a floating needle?
0:182:59Carb Cleaning: The most over-looked part- UNDER the float needle! DemoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd common to have these heart starting complaints or not some checking everything out so gettingMoreAnd common to have these heart starting complaints or not some checking everything out so getting into the carburetor here. And I cannot stress enough this one most overlooked. Places in a carburetor
How do you test a needle for floating?
0:030:59How-To: Pressure Test Carburetor Float Needle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I do is I take one two three psi of air pump it into the fuel Inlet. And it'll it'll blowMoreSo what I do is I take one two three psi of air pump it into the fuel Inlet. And it'll it'll blow out it'll lift it up and that's obviously if the floats open right go ahead and close it.
Why does my carb keep flooding?
0:001:17How To Fix A Carburetor That Floods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFlooding is one of the most common carburetor problems it's caused by excessive high fuel in theMoreFlooding is one of the most common carburetor problems it's caused by excessive high fuel in the float Bowl fuel dripping from the booster venturi.
What is advantage of needle valve?
Advantages of Needle valve Needle valves are smaller in size. So, there is not an issue of space during its installation. Throttling even with less volume of fluid is possible with this valve. Flow rates can be adjusted precisely. Its operation is easier.
Does a needle valve increase pressure?
Robust needle valves can handle pressure up to 4,000 to 5,000 psi (275 up to 413 bar) at 100°F (38°C). When higher pressures are required, like for high pressure hydraulic applications, high performance valves are available that can handle up to 10000 psi (689 bar) pressure at 100°F (38°C).
What is the difference between ball valve and needle valve?
A ball valve and needle valve of the same size will produce very different pressure drops. A ball valve will produce very little pressure drop, whereas a needle valve (or other globe valve) will produce a significant pressure drop.
How do you adjust a carburetor needle valve?
0:283:54Inside A Motorcycle Carburetor - Needle Height Tuning AdjustmentYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if the slide is all the way up at wide-open the smallest diameter is inside the needle. MakingMoreSo if the slide is all the way up at wide-open the smallest diameter is inside the needle. Making for the largest opening vice versa when the slide is all the way down.
How do you clean a carburetor needle valve?
1:565:05Carburetor dirty? Stuck needle valve? Here's a tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what i do is i just stick. The q-tip. Inside of some of that polish. I'm gonna put it right inMoreAnd what i do is i just stick. The q-tip. Inside of some of that polish. I'm gonna put it right in the needle. Valve. Or in the seat. Rather get all that in there. And just slowly. Work this.
How do you fix a carburetor needle?
2:404:00Carburetor float needle and seat trick - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd as you'll see in a minute. This will look like a mirror. And that the more mirror-like it is theMoreAnd as you'll see in a minute. This will look like a mirror. And that the more mirror-like it is the better it'll seal the easy the needle will slide up and down.
How do you replace a carburetor needle valve?
2:326:26How to replace FLOAT VALVES on motorcycle CV carburetors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have the folds out you are going to see the fault valve. In it's sort of groove. Inside theMoreOnce you have the folds out you are going to see the fault valve. In it's sort of groove. Inside the fault removing it is very easy just slide it out from the groove. And then you have removed.
What is Needle Valve?
A needle valve is a type of valve with a small port and a threaded, needle-shaped plunger. It allows precise regulation of flow, although it is generally only capable of relatively low flow rates.
Construction and operation of Needle Valve
An instrument needle valve uses a tapered pin to gradually open a space for fine control of flow. The flow can be controlled and regulated with the use of a spindle. Needle valves have a relatively small orifice with a long, tapered seat, and a needle-shaped plunger on the end of a screw, which exactly fits the seat.
How Does Needle Valves Work?
Needle valves can operate manually or automatically. Manually operated needle valves use the handwheel to control the distance between the plunger and the valve seat. When the handwheel is turned in one direction, the plunger is lifted to open the valve and allow fluid to pass through.
Different Types of Needle Valves
A manually operated threaded needle valve (described above) is the most common type of needle valve. However, two additional variants are motorized and angle.
Uses of Needle Valve
Needle valves are usually used in flow metering applications, especially when a constant, calibrated, low flow rate must be maintained for some time, such as the idle fuel flow in a carburetor.
Disadvantages Of Needle Valves
Pressure loss is high in needle valves, because of the high restriction of the fluid flow.
What is needle valve?
A needle valve is a type of valve that can be used to regulate or complete the isolation of the fluid. The unique feature of the valve is the structure of a small plunger with the shape of a Needle. The plunger features a small handle to operate in the easy and precise operation of the valve. When fully attached, the extended end of the valve fits exactly into the seat, a part of the appliance that is being regulated. In case of valve opened by mistake, then also space between and needle and seat are so less, that a minimal amount of substance will be allowed to pass through it.
How do needle valves work?
Needle valves can be operated either manually or automatically. Manually operated needle valves use a handwheel to open or close their disc. When Handle is turned to the clockwise direction its plunger lifts to open the valve and allow fluid to pass through.
Why are needle valves called plunger valves?
The Needle valve got its name because of its narrow needle-like plug and port arrangement. The needle valves are small in size but fluid flow controlling is of exceptional accuracy.
Why is there a high pressure loss in the needle valve?
There is a high-pressure loss in the needle valve because of the high restriction of fluid flow. They can be used only for low flow rate piping systems. There can be damage to the seat and needle if the fluid has solid particles.
What happens when a valve is fully attached?
When fully attached, the extended end of the valve fits exactly into the seat, a part of the appliance that is being regulated. In case of valve opened by mistake, then also space between and needle and seat are so less, that a minimal amount of substance will be allowed to pass through it.
What direction does the plunger go when the handle is turned?
When the Handle is turned in an Anti-clockwise direction the plunger move closer to the seat to decrease the flow rate and finally intercepts the flow of fluid. Automated needle valves are connected to the hydraulic motor or an air actuator that helps to automatically open and close the valve.
What is a Float Valve?
A float monitors changes in the liquid free surface's height and opens or closes a valve in response. In-home water systems, a large number of small float valves are used. The level in the cold water header tank is maintained by a float valve, which controls the pressure in the hot water system.
What Is a Float Valve and What Does It Do?
This valve can be used to manage the amount of water in a tank, and it can open and close as the liquid level changes. This valve is mechanically operated by a float. These are liquid level control valves, which are commonly seen in industrial refrigeration systems.
Function of a Float Valve
Float valves are utilized in a variety of industrial applications and can be used in conjunction with other valves. The liquid level measured by the float causes the float valves to open and close. A hollow metal or plastic ball could be used as the float.
Flow Valve Against Float Switch
In the toilet, you'll find an air-filled balloon connected to a bar, which is connected to a filling valve. The float lowers below the water level when you unload, the rod opens the filling valve, and water begins to flow towards the tank. When the stem closes the valve and the water stops, the float rises to a certain extent with the water.
Applications of a Float Valve
These valves are used in water tanks and cisterns to keep the water level consistent and avoid overflow.
Selection of a Float Valve
There are several important variables to consider when selecting a float valve, such as:
Float Valve Construction
Float rods are constructed of brass, stainless steel, or galvanized pipe in float valves. Stainless steel trim can be seen on the float valve, main valve, and seat. Swivel adaptor allows vertical float rod operation, replaces the rosette, and connects the lever and float rod.
What Causes Valve Float?
A “money shift” is just one example of the different ways valve float can occur. Missing a gear or hitting a false neutral is also fairly common on motorcycles; all of which result in over-revving the engine.
What Damage It Can Do?
At the least expensive end of the scale, valve float will impact top-end performance as the vehicle will lose power as you get near the red line. At the other end of the spectrum, you might be looking at an engine rebuild.
How Can We Avoid Valve Float?
Under normal driving/riding conditions, it is pretty easy to avoid hitting the red line, bouncing the engine off the limiter on occasion won’t necessarily do any real damage either but doing it intentionally can also lead to valve float.
How many tabs does a float needle have?
The needle has 2 tabs or ears on the end that enable it to sit securely in a notch on top of a brass or plastic float {see photo below}. In the absence of gas, the float moves down, allowing the needle to let gas in, filling the bowl to a specific height. The rising float lifts the float needle into the needle seat, sealing off the gas entry point.
What needle to use for fuel control?
The next area for fuel control is the carb float needle. If your gas valve tests good, or has now been repaired or replaced and tests good, we will move on to the carb float needle.
How to find carb float?
Locating the Carb Float Needle. First, remove the screws that hold the float bowl to the carb housing. If the bowl does not come right off, you may need to thunk it with the handle of your screw driver to dislodge it. Now you can see the float.
What happens if a float fails?
The float may also fail. Floats can develop pin holes or minuscule cracks that let fuel inside the float. This makes it heavy, no longer buoyant, so that it can no longer “float” up and down. If it can not float up the fuel will continue to enter through the float needle. The float needle and seat together, are often called a float ...
What does the rising float do in a carburetor?
The rising float lifts the float needle into the needle seat, sealing off the gas entry point. When a carburetor float needle gets corroded from old gas, or fails, it can no longer move freely into the needle seat. It can get stuck outside the seat, effectively, in the open position.
What happens if you get dirt between the needle and the seat?
Once a piece of dirt gets caught between the needle and the seat, it will be held there and interfere with the needle valve's ability to control the fuel level, until such time as fuel is drained from the carburetor and the piece of dirt is flushed away.
What is the final test for a valve job?
For decades one of the final tests for a valve job is to fill the port with solvent, if it leaks past the valve you have more work to do. no leakage, good to go. The valve to valve seat is a one hundred percent metal to metal seal.
Why does gasoline drip out of the overflow tube?
Do you know what causes gasoline to drip out of the over flow tube of your carburetor? The short answer is that a tiny piece of dirt is most likely stuck in the needle and seat of the float valve, preventing the valve from fully seating.
Is the needle in the carburetor float valve always closed?
However, it is important to realize that (unlike our toilet tanks) the needle in the carburetor float valve is always closed. What varies is the pressure that the carburetor float exerts on the needle: relatively high as the fuel level increases, and relatively low as the fuel level decreases.
What happens if a float is stuck?
If the float is stuck up lightly pull down on it. Doing this should unstick the needle valve, and gas should start coming out.
How to stop a gas float from running out?
Without holding onto the float gas should be running out. Then push the float all the way up the gas should stop running out. Then let go of the float and the gas should start running again. Do this a few times to make sure the needle valve does not stick, then shut off the gas. If the needle valve sticks again, go back through the steps and clean it again. If it looks like it is working go move onto the final step.
How to tighten a gas bolt?
Slide the bowel back up into place and then put the bolt in the bottom. Begin tightening the bolt. Make sure the bowel is lining up to where it is supposed to go and tighten the bolt the rest of the way. Do not over tighten the bolt just get it snug. Turn the gas back on, and check for leaks. If there is a leak tighten up the bolt just a bit more. ...
