Float height on VHB carbs

[Swedemoto]

I'm working on my '80 SP, was running rich on the left side. I've been reading GuzziDon's thread as wel about the same issuel. I just set the float height per the graphic in the Dellorto manual that indicates to lay the carb on it's side, needle below the float and running parallel with flat surface. Just noticed the workshop manual shows the carb upside down, with needle seated and running vertical. Which way should this be done?
Thanks, Chris

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

On VHBs, you can do it with the carb upside down or nearly so. The most common VHBs used on Guzzis do not have float needles with the spring loaded end on them, but are solid instead. So no worries about not compressing the spring and throwing the level off.

However: there are some VHB which do have float needles and replaceable seats like the PHF, PHM, etc. They're quite rare IMO - I've only seen two sets - but they do exist.

[pressureangle]

Just happen to have my Aermacchi/H-D 350 carb in mind, and the manual at hand. It's a VHB30. The book says 31/32" or .969" from furthest float body to gasket surface, floats up so gravity holds the valve closed.

On mine, the choke valve is hard and dried, and that's what is causing my rich idle/low speed, not the float level. This is very typical of old carbs with enrichener valves, whether Del'Lorto, Keihin, or whatever. I've ordered both new choke and inlet valve for mine, because new.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

On things like float level, I prefer to think (and measure) in millimeters. Set at 23.5-24.5 mm (on Guzzis) and they'll do just fine. Oh, and use float needles with the orange-ish colored tips.

[Swedemoto]

I do have the orange colored tips(viton?). I set the height on it's side, I'll pull and check them the other way. I thought that it didn't make sense the other way. Thanks!

Also...I'm rigging a manometer to sync the carbs, will a brake bleed screw work at the manifold port? I worried that it is too restrictive to active the ball valve.