1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

General discussion about Offroad two-stroke Suzuki motorcycles.

Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan

Post Reply
jarstephens
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:22 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1973 Suzuki TS400 K Apache

1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

Post by jarstephens »

Hey guys, I have recently bought my first bike and have been trying to repair it. I have a 1973 Suzuki TS400 K Apache, and have recently have been trying to get the carburetor clean and working. However, no matter what I do, there always seems to be fuel coming out of the overflow on the back side of the bike. I have tried adjusting the float level to no avail, and this specific carb is pretty hard to come by. Does anyone know why it wont stop overflowing? Also, does anyone know know if a Mikuni VM35mm, would do the job? i was thinking about buying one but i would prefer to just fix the one I have. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe
Zunspec4
Expert racer
Posts: 1087
Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:37 am
Country: UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: T500R, SV1000S, TS125, Seeley T500
Location: Trowbridge UK

Re: 1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

Post by Zunspec4 »

Hello Joe,

If the carb is overflowing it is most likely the Needle Valve Assy is not sealing. This could be due to dirt preventing it sealing or it's plain worn out. I just checked on the Alpha Sports parts list and they list it as available (Part No. 13370-16600) although at a hefty $56.06. I would unscrew the assy. from the carb (it comprises two parts) and give it a thorough cleaning first :D .

To see what you dealing with check out the Alpha parts list, it is item #14 shown on the 1973 Dual Sport Model/TS400K (Apache)/Carburetor Parts diagram

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A fairly common problem on carbs that have not seen any use for some time.

Cheers Geoff
rngdng
AMA Superbike
Posts: 1769
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:47 pm
Location: Blythewood, SC, USA

Re: 1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

Post by rngdng »

Is the float damaged? They can rot and fill with gas, which prevents them from floating.


Lane
If you stroke it more than twice; you're playing with it.

Too many bikes, too much time, ENOUGH SPACE, FINALLY! Never enough money.........
User avatar
jabcb
Moto GP
Posts: 4237
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
Location: southwestern Pennsylvania

Re: 1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

Post by jabcb »

I’ve had a sunken float — a crack in the float causes it to fill with gas and sink.
Crud or a solder repair can cause the float to be heavier than it should be.
A dent in a float can cause it to not float as expected.
An ill-fitting float bowl gasket can interfere with the float motion.
A worn of dirty needle valve can interfere with its operation.

Suzuki used standard Mikuni needle valves. Its a lot cheaper to get them using the Mikuni part #.
You can figure out which one you have via: http://jetsrus.com/needle_valve_float_b ... ikuni.html
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
jarstephens
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:22 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1973 Suzuki TS400 K Apache

Re: 1973 Suzuki TS400 Carb problem

Post by jarstephens »

Thanks guys, looking at jabcb's post, i think i might buy a new one, but im not sure which version it is, what do the 1.5, 1.8, and 2.0 mean?
Post Reply