Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I need a carb float just about the size of a wine bottle cork. Has anyone tried using a cork as a gas float with success? Do I need to coat it with epoxy or anything? Will gas eventually disolve it? It hasn't so far sitting in my Ratio Rite, but I can't hardly believe this might work. Thoughts?

Unfortunately yes. Showing my age but floats often used to be made out of cork. The problem is modern cork is made out of a materials that are similar to particle board. It may work for an hour or two before the glue melts, it absorbs gas and sinks.

I haven't tried them lately but Napa Auto Parts used to be really good for finding floats to anything. Everything from outboard motors to heavy trucks. If you could get purpose built material from them i.e. cork made that can handle gas or closed cell foam, it may work.

Rick

Age is a good thing Rick. Thanks! Jon

Considering cork for making a float, couldn't you test it first in a jar of gasoline/oil mix? I'll bet that a good wine maker, say European, uses only real cork for their bottles. I just opened a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio and the cork looks like the real thing.

I tried soldering a float once and it didn't work out. Maybe you'll have better luck, or better soldering skills.

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Got this old Honda Elsinore, a 1976 MT 125, that runs good but has a problem here or there, I hope to benefit from your experience...