Can foam floats be replaced with plastic floats? Kawasaki carb. Original Message Nov 9, 2009 9:32 pm
Will this work? Can I replace a broken foam float in this kawasaki 4-cycle with a plastic float. The motor is model FG300D Code:FG300DHS00 Number: FG300D1351 I have not been able to find a replacement foam float for this mikuni carb. Shown below is the broken foam float (it was my fault, I got careless) and a replacement float that appears to be made of plastic.
Re: Can foam floats be replaced with plastic floats? Kawasaki carb. Reply #16 Nov 11, 2009 10:55 am
I found a place about 30 minutes away that has a float in stock for $33.46 with tax. (Most of the outdoor power equipment dealers in my area have abandoned Kawasaki for some reason but John Deer dealers carry the parts with a different part number system). If I buy it in person at least I'll have the chance to hold the two floats up next to each other and compare. If I knew that everything else on the engine was in working order I would not hesitate to snatch that float up. And I see the point about not wasting my time just to save and extra $10 to $15 not to mention all the frustration that comes with getting the wrong part. At the same time I'd like to learn from past mistakes and not go crazy. I'm working on getting the rest of the carb cleaned out. I was thinking of patching the float together just long enough to get the engine running to diagnose other potential issues. What if this engine is standing on death's door and something is really really bad. Without knowing the history of the Ransome I'm at a real disadvantage. I could take thin needle and pluck the float together like a voodoo doll.
This message was modified Nov 11, 2009 by Underdog
Re: Can foam floats be replaced with plastic floats? Kawasaki carb. Reply #17 Nov 11, 2009 11:03 am
If you plan to glue the float back together, I recommend using JB Weld. That stuff is miraculous. It doesn't seem to be bothered by gasoline and oil. I've used it on a lot of different applications and the stuff hangs right in there. There are two types of JB Weld. Regular and JB Quick. Not sure if effectiveness is compromised using the Quick. I use both and haven't had a problem with either. You might want to do a test piece and allow it to set up then put it in some fuel to see how it reacts. Personally, I think it will be fine.
