Anybody know what could cause the carburetor to leak out the drain tube of my 98 Honda TRX450S. It leaks all time even when I shut it off and will empty the tank. I checked the screw that drains the float bowl and it is tight.

 

The most common thing is particulate matter stuck between the needle and seat. The float or needle could be bad but that's actually pretty rare. The needle seat is not removable and is part of carb on the 450. I have come across some 450's with defects in the seat. The only fix for that is a new or different carb.

 

I had the same problem on my foreman ..

I just hit it softly with a soft face hammer... I think it was the float that was stuck... Anyways, it solved the problem ! ..

Just don't kick the carb to death, just shake it gently and it may solve the problem ..

 

This happened to me last night, the whole house smelled like gas.

 

The drain tube is used for 3 things.
Tightening the screw will shut the bowl drain, but theres an overflow pipe, which rises up over the level of the gas. When things are working , and the level is correct, its a vent.
When the bowl over fills, like when theres a stuck float, or a piece of crud holding open the needle and seat, then its the overflow.
overflo pipe Heres a good picture of the inside of the float bowl, showing the pipe, sticking up.

 

Thanks for all the replys.........We found the problem it was the float valve that was bad. Got new one at the Honda shop for $23.00 and put it in and fixed the problem..thanks again...