I've been a long time lurker here - and have learned lots following the discussions. I have searched for an answer, but haven't found anything that seems to address my issues.

1987 CBR1000F - approximately 24K miles on her, 8K of them mine. Bike was running well, then work interrupted and she didn't get much riding, although an occasional "round the block" just to circulate fluids and she always ran well. Decided to make it a priority recently but found that whenever I turned on the petcock and tried to get her going, I got a "fuel leak" with the petcock open. Pulled plastic and got a good look - it appears to be leaking from the float bowl flange of all 4 carbs. I removed the rack and pulled a couple of the bowl bottoms. The o-ring gaskets appear to be hard and compressed pretty much to the level of the metal surface. Looking about, I can get replacements - but they are in the neighborhood of $25 each! Seems a bit steep for a simple o-ring style gasket. Anyone have a source suggestion - or perhaps an alternative bike using these Kehin carbs?

Second question - the floats of the carbs I opened are good - not full of fuel - and the float valves look good - but, one had the little wire "cage" at the top of the valve under the tang of the float and one had the tang stuck through the "cage" - which is correct?

 

I can't help you with the first one George but, I think some members made a gasket or used the black type sealant.

The tang goes in between the wire "cage". If the needle sticks, the weight of the float should pull down on the wire and in turn pull down on the needle letting fuel flow.
So....when you install them, put the tang through the cage letting it hold the needle and carefully place the needle in the hole then insert the pin.

 

Thanks for the input - I figured i could seal them with gasket sealant but was hoping for a more "correct" solution before I resorted to that.

As for the float/valve installation, that helps tremendously. I found 1/2 each way so wasn't at all sure what was correct - and the pictures/guidance from the manuals I have simple didn't address the proper installation. Now, while I've got them open, any suggestions on how to set proper float level with the carb rack off the bike?