Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

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Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1971 T350 Rebel

Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by Gearbox »

Given up trying to source a float bowl for my T350. There is a hairline crack in the bowl that leaks.
I have tried the usual epoxy resins but the petrol/ethanol mix kills them.
The poor metal quality makes soldering a bit hit and miss.
My thoughts for repair are either to use a tank lining solution over the crack. Need about 5ml of solution. Seems a waste to buy 425ml for that job.
Option 2 is to try to copper plate around the crack using electrolysis and then to solder onto the copper.
Does anyone have another process that works?
Many thanks for your thoughts
rodent
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by rodent »

Allegedly JB Weld is fuel resistant, have you tried it? I have a couple of gt750 bowls with holes in them but am yet to resort to it.
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joolstacho
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by joolstacho »

Clean it really thoroughly with acetone, thoroughly dry it, warm it and flow THIN cyano (Zap or similar) into the crack.
The cyano should wick into the crack, especially as it's warmed.
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by Gearbox »

Thanks for the replies. Epoxy compounds like JB weld only last a short while, guess the ethanol/petrol mix does them in.
Not heard of cyano, is that a trade name?
I have ordered some ally welding compound, Durafix. Loks like a possibility. Hopefully, I will know after it appears.

Another idea that was suggested was to cut the top flange off the 350 bowl and add it to a 250 bowl. This makes up the difference, so the bowl will fit a 350. Seen pictures, so another possibility as I have a 250 bowl.
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joolstacho
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by joolstacho »

Cyano - not a trade name... it's the common name for Cyanoacrylate adhesives. They cure very quickly, super hard, do not need separate hardener mixed in. (though you can get an accelerator to speed up the cure).
The 'thin' cyano like Zap - pink (thin) are thin as water, and 'wick' into a crack like you have. Much better than Epoxy glues for this application.
'Hot Stuff' is another good brand, best found in model shops (if you can find one of them left!)

My idea is to heat the part so the crack may open up a fraction, then wick in the cyano, let it cool.

JB Weld is IMHO over-rated, -numpties see the word 'weld' in the brandname and think it must be good, but it's just another common-or-garden two-pack epoxy glue.
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by jabcb »

I would have used JB Weld.
Was a bit curious given joolstacho’s post, so I took a look at McMaster’s site.
Searched for sealants for use with ethanol & gasoline. Selected materials: Buna-N & Viton.
Ended up with:
https://www.mcmaster.com/sealants/for-u ... on~buna-n/

The Buna-N product is $10. Per the safety data sheet, it’s a nitrile rubber sealant made by The Ruscoe Company.
https://www.mcmaster.com/7474A41/

The $40 Viton product is Pelseal 2690MC.
https://www.mcmaster.com/77495A31/

Have never used either. Maybe a forum member knows if either would work in this application.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

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jabcb
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by jabcb »

JB Weld doesn’t have just one type of product. Maybe one of these products will work on a float bowl.
TankWeld is for fuel tanks: https://www.jbweld.com/product/tankweld
SteelStik is recommended for gas tank repair: https://www.jbweld.com/projects/gas-tank-repair
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by Gearbox »

Thanks Fellas,
Appreciate the help. Will have to do some internet trawling to see if those products are available in the UK.
My ally rods appeared today, so will have a crack at those this afternoon
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by Gearbox »

Well that was a disaster, heated up the bowl and more cracks appeared, then the bottom fell out of the bowl. It had not even got hot enough to melt the aly solder.
Plan B then. I have a gt250 carb bowl and will get the flange cut off. This will be used as a spacer betwen a t250 bowl and the carb body with 2 gaskets. I knoe whis works as the idea was suggested on the facebook page og the Suzuki T250Hustler/T350Rebel Owners Group.
350 bowls are getting very hard to find in decent condition and for sensible money.
Thanks again for the suggestions, I will post a picture of the finished thing assuming it all goes to plan
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joolstacho
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by joolstacho »

There would be replacement carbs that would work - (diff brands obviously - PWK maybe, Mikuni still available).
I still reckon the Cyano would have been the best way to go, some of those alloys are very delicate - as you discovered.
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Re: Suzuki T350 float bowl repair

Post by Gearbox »

Had the flange off the gt250 machined flat at 6mm. Fitted to t250 bowl with 2 gaskets and new longer screws.
Not really noticible.
Not sure how to post pictures
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