1997 Force 120 Leaking Fuel

[JDusza]

Hi. Been a while. Hope you are all well.
I'm working on a 1997 Force 120 (serial unknown at this time). It's a 4 cylinder 2-stroke. I'm trying to keep it from stalling when shifted. During carburetor adjustments I noticed raw fuel coming out the front of the lower carburetor and fuel leaking from some sort of side vent on the same lower carburetor. The upper carburetor seems to be behaving. There's no leaking of excessive fuel at the upper carburetor.
I tried adjusting the lower carburetor float thinking the inlet valve was somewhat stuck open. No success. Fuel keeps coming out of the carburetor.
Can anyone help me understand what is going on and how to fix it?
Thanks,
J

 

[JDusza]

I just heard that a bad reed plate could cause this. And that this is a common problem on these engines. Any merit?
Thanks,
J

 

[Pjrogu]

I've had this issue before. The side vent is an overflow port and shoots excess fuel out when the pump overfills the bowls. Check on the float needle to make sure the tip is still black and unmarred/damages. I've also seen bits of debris get stuck under the needle and keep it open.

If the needle looks good, you can also try polishing the seat. Stick a Q-tip in a drill and dip the tip in some type of polishing compound (I use car paint scratch polish/remover). Then you can spin the Q-tip in the seat and buff out any imperfections. Repeat this a couple of times and then do it again with dry Q-tips. Make sure to not leave any residue. This will help with the needle sticking to the walls.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Buffing the seat??? that might be ok unless the seats a rubber one???

Look at the seat and needle. The needle have a solid tip? Then the seat
should be a rubber seat. Make sure it's installed and not twisted/crooked??
The needle have a rubber tip? make sure it's not warped or has a groove
set in the rubber? Then check the seat for damage?

 

[JDusza]

Thank you. I did take out the reed valves and they look fine. So to follow your advice, I am going back to the carburetor.
Thanks again,
J