Floats

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Fatboy 88
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Floats

#1

Post by Fatboy 88 »

Is any one else having problems with floats first plastin float swelled up fell off at 80 miles bought brass float sank in 50 miles where do I get a quality float thanks
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Re: Floats

#2

Post by 59Panman »

Fatboy 88 wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2017 2:07 am Is any one else having problems with floats first plastin float swelled up fell off at 80 miles bought brass float sank in 50 miles where do I get a quality float thanks

Tom Cotton

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Re: Floats

#3

Post by Bigincher »

A close friend of mine with a 'Durable' float from Cotton told me it swelled up in a matter of days. This was about a month ago.
The Rubber Ducky float is the only one I know of that won't swell up; my friend installed one and has not had a problem since.

When you said it "fell off", did the nut come loose and the float fell off the arm?
No matter which float you use, you need to secure the nut. Put a generous glob of 'Seal All' around the nut and let it cure before putting it into service. Seal All can be found at almost any auto parts store.
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Re: Floats

#4

Post by Fatboy 88 »

No it sweeled and came off stud
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Re: Floats

#5

Post by Mark44 »

ozwick86 wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2017 4:17 am Tom Cotton

liberty@npoint.net
Minor point, but that's Cotten
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Re: Floats

#6

Post by Mark44 »

Bigincher wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:16 am A close friend of mine with a 'Durable' float from Cotton told me it swelled up in a matter of days. This was about a month ago.
The Rubber Ducky float is the only one I know of that won't swell up; my friend installed one and has not had a problem since.
That's very surprising to hear about Cotten's Durable floats. I've been running three of them, with the oldest being about five years old. I haven't noticed any swelling. From past posts by Cotten, he has done extensive testing on his floats on a wide variety of gasoline blends.

Regarding the Rubber Ducky, is this type of float made from a different material than the Durable floats? I was under the impression that both were made from the same stuff, but that might be wrong.

Tom, your point about using SealAll to "glue" down the float screw is spot on. If you don't do this, the float screw is prone to coming loose and the float will change position. This can cause the float to come in contact with the float bowl stem, preventing the float valve to close completely so that gas leaks out the vent hole.
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Re: Floats

#7

Post by Bigincher »

I confess- Northman told me about Seal All, I can't take the credit for that.

Only thing I can think of on Cotton's float is, didn't he change material awhile back?
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Re: Floats

#8

Post by 1962FLH »

I put one of Cotton's Durable floats in my bike in 2012 with no issues. Can you post a photo of the failed float?

Thanks.

John
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Re: Floats

#9

Post by 59Panman »

I run Cotten's Durable float in my 59 and I live out in CA. No issues! I would like to see a photo posted of the failed Durable float.

If any of Cotten's "Durable Floats" fail, you only need to drop the float that swell into an envelope, and send it to:

Liberty Motorcycle Specialties, Inc.
118 N. Washington Street
Lacon, IL 61540 USA

You will get a new one returned promptly. Cotten stands behind all of his products!

The topic below referenced a "possible issue regarding the "Rubber Ducky" float". See link below with post #'s to reference with Cotten's comments.

Re: Cotten

Refer to post #'s 28, 32 & 33.
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Re: Floats

#10

Post by awander »

I just recently returned a 4-yo float to Cotten, thinking it seemed a tiny bit oversize.

He measured it and said it was in spec, but then sent me a new one anyway.

Can't beat that kind of service.
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Re: Floats

#11

Post by Bigincher »

Maybe you guys missed the part where I said the swollen float was a friend of mines. It's his business what he does with it, I never should have said anything, it's like farting in church. I'm sure he'll be in touch with Cotten.
And just so you feel better, I have three Durable floats myself. Now go back and see if I said anything negative or disrespectful about the Mad Scientist. I said a close friends Durable float swelled up. If you need pictures of it before you believe it (Oh how can it be?!!) then send me a PM and I'll put you in touch with my friend, you can ask him yourself.
Anything else??
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Re: Floats

#12

Post by 59Panman »

Bigincher,
Now go back and see if I said anything negative or disrespectful about the "Mad Scientist"
Bigincher wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:44 am Maybe you guys missed the part where I said the swollen float was a friend of mines. It's his business what he does with it, I never should have said anything, it's like farting in church. I'm sure he'll be in touch with Cotten.
And just so you feel better, I have three Durable floats myself. Now go back and see if I said anything negative or disrespectful about the "Mad Scientist". I said a close friends Durable float swelled up. If you need pictures of it before you believe it (Oh how can it be?!!) then send me a PM and I'll put you in touch with my friend, you can ask him yourself.
Anything else??
Bigincher wrote: Sat Sep 02, 2017 2:55 am They're made so Cotton's floats won't hang up when they swell.
Like you said, maybe you shouldn't have said anything at all. I was curious as to why the float swelled. Now you appear to be all bent out of shape because of what you yourself posted.

Panhead,

Please close this thread.
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Re: Floats

#13

Post by Bigincher »

"Mad Scientist" is a term of endearment. You're reading everything upside down, relax.
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Re: Floats

#14

Post by Northman »

Bigincher,
Thanks for posting... this is good to know. I don't doubt Cotten will stand behind his product, however it's something that needs to be considered in the multitude of possibilities in diagnosing issues when and if they arrise. Nothing can be omitted in my opinion untill examined, sometimes over confidence that it "can't be" will get ya. This is valuable info to remember. Might be a good idea to enter into ones maintenance regiment to inspect every so often. If the rubber ducky has served others well thats great. Inspect that one too!

My 2 cents
Northman
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