Carb float maxed out

[jqdp]

I have a 1969 cl350 with new 350a carbs which I set to the prescribed 19mm float height. The thing just wouldn't start(lack of gas) so I decided to max the float bowl out at ~16.5mm and she started right up but as expected, the carbs leak quite a bit. As I go above 16.5 into the 17mm range, I begin to lose any tune-ability from the pilot screw and the bike begins to show signs of being too lean (where the pilot screw is all the way screwed in, and bike still runs). Kinda baffled by why the float height is so outta wack. Secondly, am I correct in saying that the 350a carbs lack a pilot jet plug? The rebuild kit set doesn't fit the hole, and besides that, she wont even light up when i plugged it up with a mini cork from the hardware store. Cheers
(Ps Carb jets are completely stock 38 pilot, 60 primary main, 115 Second main) James

 

[crazypj]

Sounds like carbs need cleaning properly and floats need setting properly.
I'm in the process of making a short video on how to set float level correctly on CB360 but 350 is similar enough when working on a single carb

 

[jqdp]

Sounds like carbs need cleaning properly and floats need setting properly.
I'm in the process of making a short video on how to set float level correctly on CB360 but 350 is similar enough when working on a single carb

All jets have clear passages(including the pilots, I'm sure of this), but i'm hesitant about the carb bodies. I boiled them in simplegreen for an hour or so when I received them. Im planning on soaking them in gasoline tonight for good measures. Secondly, I've got a pair of fresh intake manifold rubbers in the mail. The pair I've got now have a poor seal and continuously leak air. (another suspect to running lean)(tested this with starter fluid). I'm fairly happy with what I've got so far. I'm just hoping all these little leaks add up to a big difference when she runs.
As for setting the float height, it seems pretty simple. On the rectangular floats, where should I take my measurement from? The manual measures from the high point on the circular floats, so I've been doing the same with the rectangular floats. Thanks again PJ

 

[crazypj]

Service manual always shows carbs inverted but if you read the text you have to tilt them to approximately 70 degrees

 

[Rich Ard]

Could the floats be bent where the brass meets the float? If so, your float height measurement will always be off

 

[crazypj]

Won't make any difference if height is being set properly.
Tab just contacts spring plunger on shut off valve, measure to top of float
If carb is completely inverted it will be compressing the spring loaded plunger and give a false level when right way up and fuel is shutting valve

 

[jqdp]

Correct, didn't mention this, but it helps to have a finger on the backside of the float to maintain the reading. It can be tricky to keep that tipping point to where the tang is just resting on the needle, and hold the ruler at zero along the carb body. Anyways, I let the carbs soak for 24hrs and I'm gonna clear the passages again, and reset the floats, and see what happens. New intake manifold rubbers are set for Monday. Better yet, I'll snap some shots of the bowls, and the float level and all that good stuff just for validation. Couldnt hurt

Won't make any difference if height is being set properly.
Tab just contacts spring plunger on shut off valve, measure to top of float
If carb is completely inverted it will be compressing the spring loaded plunger and give a false level when right way up and fuel is shutting valve